By JONAS TERRADO
The NLEX Road Warriors are glad to finally have former NBA player Arnett Moultrie in town after issues surrounding his last overseas forced the team to start its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign with Adrian Forbes.
Moultrie made his debut last night against Rain or Shine at the Ynares Center after NLEX coach Yeng Guiao decided to hire his original choice despite Forbes’ 26-point, 17-rebound, five-block showing in Saturday’s 123-103 loss to the Columbian Dyip over the weekend.
While Forbes got his numbers, Guiao obviously wanted an import with better offensive skills, something he saw from Moultrie when the Road Warriors signed him in early-March.
However, Moultrie encountered problems after completing his stint with Al-Muharraq in Bahrain, prolonging his supposed arrival weeks before the PBA’s midseason tournament and prompting NLEX to get Forbes.
Guiao admitted before the Commissioner’s Cup that NLEX was sacrificing some offense with Forbes being more of a defensive-minded player.
But it was better late than never as far as the Road Warriors are concerned.
“We had problems with his availability after his stint playing in Bahrain, but now is the right and he has the right skill set to help the team,” said Guiao, who hopes to see Moultrie live up to his billing as the Road Warriors look to build on their semifinal appearance in the Philippine Cup.
“Adrian Forbes was a solid inside player, strong rebounder, strong defender and his numbers were not bad,” added Guiao. “However, Moultrie is a first round draft pick with solid NBA experience, and we feel that can help the team.”
NLEX is actually in the midst of a busy schedule as it also faces the Arinze Onuaku-led Meralco tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Afterward, the Road Warriors take a week-long break before returning to action on May 11 against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, giving Moultrie enough time to adjust.