As I sit here watching the NLEX Road Warriors' recent game, I can't help but marvel at how this team has transformed over the past season. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed NLEX's journey from being a consistent middle-of-the-pack team to developing genuine court dominators who are changing the game. The evolution has been remarkable, and what's particularly fascinating is how they've built this roster despite the challenges in the draft pool that Coach Frankie Lim alluded to in his recent comments.
When Coach Lim mentioned, "We don't know how deep the draft is. Tingin ko baka hindi naman ganun kalalim, so hindi pa rin naming puwedeng gamitin 'yun para punuan yung kulang namin," he was revealing something crucial about their strategy. Instead of relying heavily on the draft, NLEX has focused on developing existing talent and making strategic acquisitions. This approach has paid off tremendously, creating a roster where several players have emerged as true forces this season. Let me walk you through who I believe are the standout performers making the difference for NLEX right now.
At the top of my list has to be Don Trollano. I've been watching this guy since his early days in the league, and his transformation has been nothing short of spectacular. This season, he's averaging around 18.7 points per game while shooting an impressive 42% from beyond the arc. What makes Don special isn't just his scoring ability—it's his consistency. Game after game, he delivers when it matters most. I remember specifically a crucial match against San Miguel where he dropped 28 points in the fourth quarter alone, completely taking over the game. That's the kind of performance that separates good players from dominant ones. His offensive versatility allows him to score from anywhere on the court, and defensively, he's become much more disciplined than in previous seasons.
Then there's Kevin Alas, who in my opinion is playing the best basketball of his career right now. After recovering from those unfortunate ACL injuries that would have ended many players' careers, Kevin has come back stronger and smarter. He's currently putting up approximately 16.2 points and 5.1 assists per game, but numbers don't tell the whole story. What makes Kevin so valuable is his basketball IQ and leadership on the court. I've noticed how he controls the tempo of the game, knowing exactly when to push the pace and when to slow things down. His decision-making in crucial moments has won NLEX several close games this season. There's a maturity to his game now that only comes from overcoming adversity, and it's beautiful to watch.
I can't discuss NLEX's dominant players without mentioning Calvin Oftana. At 6'5", he brings a unique skill set that's rare in Philippine basketball. Calvin is averaging about 15.8 points and 7.3 rebounds this season, but his impact goes far beyond statistics. His length and athleticism create mismatches that opposing teams struggle to handle. What I love about Calvin's game is his versatility—he can guard multiple positions, handle the ball in transition, and stretch the floor with his shooting. In their recent game against TNT, he recorded what I believe was his first triple-double of the season with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. That kind of all-around performance is exactly what makes a player dominant in today's game.
The big man in the middle, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, deserves more recognition than he typically gets. Standing at 6'7", Brandon has become the defensive anchor for this team. He's averaging roughly 2.3 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 54% from the field. But what statistics can't capture is his presence in the paint—how he alters shots without necessarily blocking them, and how he communicates defensive assignments to his teammates. I've observed how opposing drivers think twice when they see Brandon waiting near the rim. His development has been crucial to NLEX's improved defense this season, and in my view, he's among the top three defensive big men in the league right now.
What's interesting is how these players complement each other. Don provides the scoring punch, Kevin controls the game, Calvin brings versatility, and Brandon anchors the defense. This balanced attack makes NLEX particularly difficult to prepare for, as opponents can't just focus on stopping one player. I've noticed how different players step up in different games depending on what the team needs—that's the mark of a well-constructed roster, especially considering Coach Lim's comments about not relying on the draft to fill their gaps.
Looking at their performance this season, NLEX currently sits with a 7-4 record, putting them in strong contention for a playoff spot. Their offensive rating has improved to approximately 108.3 points per 100 possessions, up from 102.7 last season. Defensively, they're allowing about 105.1 points per 100 possessions, which represents significant improvement from previous years. These numbers reflect the impact their top players are having on both ends of the court.
From my perspective, what makes these NLEX players truly dominant isn't just their individual statistics—it's how they've bought into the system and elevated each other's games. They play with a chemistry that's rare in professional basketball, moving the ball beautifully and trusting each other in crucial moments. I've counted at least four games this season where they came from behind to win, which speaks volumes about their mental toughness and belief in each other.
As the season progresses into its crucial stages, I believe these NLEX players will continue to dominate and possibly lead the team deep into the playoffs. They've shown they can compete with the league's best, having beaten top teams like San Miguel, Ginebra, and TNT. While Coach Lim's concerns about the draft depth highlight the challenges of team-building in the PBA, NLEX's current core demonstrates that with the right player development and strategic vision, teams can find dominant players without relying heavily on the draft. For basketball fans, watching this NLEX team and its standout performers has been one of the season's genuine pleasures, and I'm excited to see how far they can go.