MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors bolstered its frontline heading into the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs with the acquisition of veteran center Justin Chua.
In a trade deal that was approved by PBA, Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters shipped Chua to the Road Warriors in exchange for Kris Porter, NLEX’s 2021 second round and 2022 first round picks.
Chua, a former Trinity Christian School standout, has been on the radar of Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao since last year but only managed to acquire the center on Thursday.
The Bacolod City-native Chua is expected to play a huge role on Road Warriors’ frontline, which were shorthanded following the injury of Michael Miranda.
Chua, a runner up in last season’s Most Improved Player race, will be the third Negrense in Road Warriors lineup aside from Raul Soyud and Paul Varilla.
Porter, on the other hand, could add depth to the Fuel Masters forward position after showing his versatility in offense and his defensive ability during his stint with the Road Warriors.
Meanwhile, after acquiring Chua, the Road Warriors is preparing for the possibility of losing Ilonggo Jericho Cruz, whose contract is set to expire on Feb. 28.
According to Guiao, they have contract extension offers on Cruz but will also not hinder the Iloilo City-native guard if he wants to transfer elsewhere by next month.
“Basta sinabi namin sa manager nya na if ever na mas mataas ang offer ng iba, inform lang nila kami at baka pwede naman naming pantayan,” Guiao said.
“But kung talagang he decides to transfer, we have a next man up mentality naman eh. We have other players who will step up in his place,” added the veteran mentor./PN
