MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors will replace Nigerian-Canadian reinforcement Oluseyi Ashaolu despite leading the squad to a 2-0 start in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Road Warriors were set to bring back Aaron Fuller in lieu of Ashaolu, who sustained a partial tear on his right patellar tendon in a tune-up game during the offseason, said assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa.
Despite nursing the injury, Ashaolu remained impressive, tallying 33 points and 23 rebounds in their 103-90 win over TNT KaTropa last Friday and 27 points in their 123-107 victory against NorthPort Batang Pier on Sunday.
“He’s defying the doctor’s advice and he actually has a 70-percent tear. It means that half of it is dangling already,” Lastimosa said. “I don’t know how he’s playing but you gotta give the guy credit. He’s showing tremendous heart because he wants to play.”
But Lastimosa clarified they will not send home the 28-year-old Ashaolu just yet – they will have to see if he can recover midway in the elimination round or in the playoffs if the Road Warriors advance.
“The deal is if (Olu) can rehab, even get back and be healthy to play, he’s stepping in and Aaron will sit down,” Lastimosa said. “And Aaron was kind of OK with that contract.”
Fuller had a decent showing for the Road Warriors last year, averaging 22.6 points, 17.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 38.5 minutes per game while leading NLEX to a quarterfinals appearance./PN
