NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag has high expectations for newly acquired Evan Nelle as he looks to see the young guard inject youth and fire into the Road Warriors.

The incoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rookie mentor got the same man he trained for the 2024 Draft in a one-on-one trade to Phoenix in exchange for Sydney Onwubere.

“I’m excited to have Evan onboard,” Alapag said of the 14th overall pick two years ago.

“I think he’s one of the many young, talented guards in the PBA today. I’m excited to add him to our team and our family.”

Nelle joined team practice on Tuesday, just days before NLEX opens its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign against guest team Macau on Friday at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.

Alapag, who formally replaced Jong Uichico at the reins last week, knows Nelle personally.

He trained Nelle, who won titles for San Beda University and De La Salle University during his college days, in the US back when Alapag was still working as the player development coach for the Sacramento Kings in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

“I think he’s got a great basketball IQ. I think he’s a winner. I think he just provides us with a lot of versatility with our guards,” said the six-time PBA champion and member of the PBA 50 Greatest Players.

“I’m really happy with the number of guards we have here and all of their talent. I’m looking forward to having him on board and I’m excited for the upcoming conference.”

Nelle was picked in the second round by NorthPort before getting shipped to Phoenix in a three-team, three-player deal last year.

The 28-year-old Nelle expressed gratitude for the trust given to him.

“So, I’m excited. It’s exciting because, of course, it’s Coach Jimmy Alapag. Coach Jimmy’s a legend here and he trained in the NBA,” Nelle said.

“So, it’s heartwarming because the trust he gave, he’s giving me. I’m speechless because it’s Coach Jimmy.”

Nelle is coming into a team stacked with talented guards led by scoring leader Robert Bolick.

“Yeah, it’s a new environment. In this team, there’s a lot of guards and a lot of our coaches are also guards. So, I’m going to learn a lot,” he said.

Nelle will be competing for playing time with Schonny Winston, Kevin Alas, Matt Nieto and LJay Gonzalez.

“It feels like a very competitive environment and it feels like it’s healthy (competition).”