The NLEX Road Warriors’ 88-83 win over the TNT Tropang 5G on Tuesday wasn’t just a reunion for Jimmy Alapag and his former PBA team—it also marked Evan Nelle’s return from injury.
Nelle, whom NLEX acquired from the Phoenix Fuel Masters for Sidney Onuwebere, logged nine minutes and went scoreless, though he did have 2 rebounds and 3 assists.
After the game, the young guard revealed what role Alapag has in mind for him.
“I just gotta be more of a facilitator, tryna push the pace. A while ago before the game, he [Alapag] told me he’ll put me in and push the pace,” he told reporters. “He told me that I’m one of the best guards to push the pace, so that’s what I tried to do.”
Nelle Gassed in the Fourth Quarter
Despite playing limited minutes, Nelle admitted that he struggled with his stamina in his first game back after a lengthy absence. By the fourth quarter, he said he was already out of gas.
“Kaso nung fourth quarter, wala—naubos na ako,” he admitted.
Despite making only a small statistical contribution in the Road Warriors’ sixth straight win of the conference, Nelle’s return to the active roster gives NLEX yet another weapon.
It may take some time for Nelle to regain his usual rhythm, but once he settles into the role envisioned for him off the bench, the Road Warriors should only strengthen their case as one of the league’s title favorites.
Later today, NLEX will look to improve to 7-0 in this PBA Governors’ Cup when it takes on the Terrafirma Dyip. It will be Nelle’s second game back, and he will be expected to push the pace whenever he checks into the game.
