EASL: Hiroshima becomes 2nd team to qualify for Final Four Spot
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NLEX DeQuan Jones: Harvester of Explosive Scoring Points
A resounding recommendation from Kiefer Ravena undeniably fuelled the NLEX Road Warriors with American DeQuan Jones joining the team in the remainder of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
Prior to replacing Myke Henry and donning the shades of blue, orange, and white for his first ever PBA stint, Jones played alongside Ravena, who was a former Road Warriors, for the B. League team Shiga last season.
In spite of having no experience playing for Filipino teams, Jones had a minimal to none adjustment period as he insinuated that it is fun to play in the country that really loves and respects the game of basketball.
DEQUAN JONES / BANNER BY: EDITORIAL TEAM
“The Philippines is a great place,” Jones said during an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph. “I can tell the love for the game is deeply rooted in the culture and in the people. It has been a fun experience so far.”
His scorching performances propelled the Road Warriors to book a ticket into the quarter finals of this year’s Governors’ Cup and even earned a gleaming nod from Filipino basketball enthusiasts.
As the road towards the crown became suffocating, Jones complimented his squad saying despite there might be times that the game would not play out the way they had hoped for, they still fought through the adversity.
“I think to some extent they didn't beat us. We beat ourselves with turnovers,” told the alumnus of University of Miami.
“I think that speaks to what type of talent and what kind of team we have. I don't think they beat us. I think we beat ourselves,” he added.
Jones also did not forget to take pride in his relationship with his teammates and an incredible amount of compliments were showered to their head coach, Jong Uichico who boasts a wealth of experience that steered them to where they are today.
“Our relationship is really good. Coach Jong as a coach, his skill set, he does a great job with keeping everybody poised,” praised Jones with regards to the veteran tactician.
The 6-foot-8 forward also added that Coach Jong does a great job with managing emotions and handling temperaments within his wards.
“He does a great job regardless of what the circumstances are. Keeping everybody focused. Keeping everybody engaged. I think that's a testament to his experience and his tenure as head coach.”
Coach Jong took the reins of leading the NLEX Road Warriors after Frankie Lim stepped down from the position after two years with the ballclub.
As of writing, the NLEX failed to establish a roadblock that would prevent TNT from securing a semifinal spot.
The firepower of Tropang Giga prevailed as they pounced the Road Warriors with a 125-96 victory.
