By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The NLEX Road Warriors joined the San Miguel Beermen, NorthPort Batang Pier, Phoenix Super LPG, and the Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel in the upcoming PBA season’s trade block participants after shipping scorer Mike Ayonayon and big man Will McAloney to the Blackwater Bossing franchise.
In exchange, the coach Yeng Guiao-led squad will be acquiring the services of versatile forward Marion Magat and a future second-round pick of the next PBA rookie draft.
“We are always on the lookout for bigs who can give us better size and Marion fits that role since he has already played for us before,” Guiao said.
Magat was a former Road Warrior under the tutelage of coach Guiao and is already familiar with the system that they are running.
A hardworking big man who provides length and versatility down the block with his quickness, Magat will seek to repay the trust NLEX gave to him and help the squad reach the playoffs again.
Meanwhile, Ayonayon, one of the biggest names in the trade block again, was a huge offensive threat for the Guiao system with NLEX but due to the addition of super rookie Calvin Oftana, his minutes took a hit.
William McAloney was also one of the projected long-term players coach Guiao spoke about the moment they drafted him but due to rotation problems, they had to let go of him as well.
“It is also good for Mike and Will since it has been difficult for them to play significant minutes in our rotation. They will get better opportunities at Blackwater where they can maximize their potential,” added Guiao.
