The NLEX Road Warriors have made a statement ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, adding veteran guard Evan Nelle to strengthen a backcourt that will now be steered under new head coach Jimmy Alapag.
The Road Warriors officially welcomed the former Phoenix Fuel Masters playmaker on Tuesday, completing a roster move that saw forward Sidney Onwubere leave the franchise after spending nearly a year with the team.
“Welcome to NLEX, Evan Nelle! A floor general who thrives under pressure, sees every play before it unfolds, and keeps the offense rolling, you’re built for the road ahead. The journey starts now and we’re coming full speed. Let’s own the road,” the team announced on their Facebook page.
Nelle arrives in NLEX after a brief stint with the Fuel Masters, where he emerged as one of the team’s primary facilitators during the Commissioner’s Cup.
He averaged 8.08 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, helping Phoenix secure a quarterfinal berth before the Fuel Masters bowed to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.
His arrival gives Alapag another experienced ballhandler capable of orchestrating the offense while providing stability in the backcourt.
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EVEN GROUND FOR EVAN
Evan Nelle is headed to the NLEX Road Warriors after being acquired from the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in exchange for Sidney Onwubere, marking the first player move under new head coach Jimmy Alapag.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/gtU0e2bcmP
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 7, 2026
Nelle is expected to join a guard rotation that already features Robert Bolick, Schonny Winston, Kevin Alas, and LJay Gonzales, giving the Road Warriors added depth entering the new conference.
The move also reunites Nelle with Bolick, his former teammate at San Beda University. The pair last shared the floor during NCAA Season 94, where they formed one of the league’s most dependable backcourt tandems before embarking on their respective professional careers.
Nelle began his PBA career with NorthPort Batang Pier after being selected in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft. He was later traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters, where he established himself as a reliable playmaker before earning another move to the Road Warriors, marking the third stop of his young professional career.
While NLEX focused on reinforcing its lineup, the club also confirmed the departure of Onwubere, who had been with the Road Warriors since November 2025. The roster adjustment signals the team’s intent to reshape its rotation as it looks to improve on its previous conference finish.
Both NLEX and Phoenix enter the Governors’ Cup seeking redemption after their respective quarterfinal exits in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Road Warriors begin their campaign against the Macau Black Knights on Friday, July 10, while the Fuel Masters open their schedule a day later against Magnolia.
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