NLEX and Blackwater Eye Fresh Start in PBA Commissioner’s Cup
As the PBA Commissioner’s Cup tips off at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, both NLEX and Blackwater are entering the new conference with one goal in mind — redemption. After disappointing finishes in the previous Philippine Cup, the two teams are determined to start strong and rebuild their momentum early in the tournament.
For veteran coach Jong Uichico, experience has taught him that opening games are often unpredictable. According to Uichico, the first game of any conference is usually a “wait-and-see” situation where teams are still figuring out their rhythm, combinations, and overall chemistry.
Adjustments Will Decide the Opening Game
Uichico emphasized that preparation through practice and scrimmages can only reveal so much. The real test happens during the actual game, where quick thinking and the ability to adjust can determine the outcome.
He pointed out that teams often discover which player combinations work best only during live competition. Because of this, the coaching staff must constantly observe the flow of the game and make the necessary adjustments on the fly.
This approach will be crucial for NLEX as they open their campaign against Blackwater Bossing.
Both Teams Seeking Redemption
The previous conference was far from ideal for both squads. Blackwater had a promising start after winning their season opener but eventually collapsed, losing ten consecutive games. A series of injuries heavily affected their roster and prevented them from sustaining their early momentum.
On the other hand, the NLEX Road Warriors began the Philippine Cup on a positive note, winning four of their first five games. However, their campaign stumbled late in the elimination round as they dropped their last three games. Despite sneaking into the playoffs as the eighth seed, their journey quickly ended after losing to eventual champions San Miguel Beermen in the quarterfinals.
With those setbacks in mind, both teams see the opening game as a critical opportunity to reset their season.
Tough Schedule Awaits NLEX
For Uichico, the challenge doesn’t end with Blackwater. The Road Warriors are scheduled to face several powerhouse teams immediately afterward, including Magnolia Hotshots, TNT Tropang Giga, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Because of this daunting stretch, Uichico knows his team must perform at a high level from the start. He admitted that NLEX currently belongs to the league’s middle tier, meaning every game will likely be a grind. According to him, the Road Warriors will need to bring their “A-game” consistently if they want to compete against the league’s top contenders.
Still, the veteran coach remains hopeful that the team can continue to grow throughout the conference.
New Faces and Roster Changes
Another storyline for NLEX is the roster changes that occurred between conferences. The team recently welcomed new additions Schonny Winston and Kevin Racal, while Jonnel Policarpio and Javee Mocon moved out of the roster.
Uichico admitted that the true impact of these changes will only be revealed once the team begins playing real games. Chemistry, communication, and trust among teammates will determine whether the new lineup can perform effectively together.
Import Matchup Could Be a Key Factor
The performance of imports could also play a huge role in the opening game. NLEX will rely heavily on Haitian big man Cady Lalanne, whom Uichico described as a smart and mature player capable of contributing in several ways. Lalanne’s ability to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting and make sound decisions is expected to strengthen the Road Warriors’ offense.
Meanwhile, Blackwater will counter with its own towering reinforcement in Daniel Ochefu, a 6-foot-10 big man who previously had a stint with the Washington Wizards and briefly played for TNT Tropang Giga during the 2023 EASL Champions Week.
With both teams fielding capable imports, the battle in the paint and the overall impact of these reinforcements could become one of the defining factors of the game.
A Crucial First Step
For NLEX and Blackwater, the opening game is more than just the start of a new conference — it represents a chance to rewrite their story after a disappointing campaign. With roster changes, new imports, and a challenging schedule ahead, both teams know that building early momentum could make a big difference in their Commissioner’s Cup journey.
While uncertainty surrounds opening games, Uichico believes that preparation, smart adjustments, and teamwork will ultimately determine which team takes the crucial first win.
