Money on Manny

MANNY Harris (left) is set to make his debut for NLEX. AFP

NLEX parades a new import as it tries to keep the momentum going when it battles the dangerous Columbian Dyip in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The well-rested Road Warriors gun for their fifth win against the Dyip at 4:30 p.m. followed by the duel between Blackwater and Magnolia at 7 p.m.

Despite a 4-1 start with Olu Ashaolu, NLEX decided to replace him and bring in former National Basketball Association (NBA) guard Manny Harris.

Ashaolu was impressive in the Road Warriors’ come-from-behind 113-111 overtime win over Barangay Ginebra in Dubai as he tallied 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists that turned out to be his final game.

NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao said the team got the opportunity to enlist Harris, a former NBA veteran who had stints with Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

But Guiao is tempering his expectation from his new import.

“I’m not going to put any pressure on him, but looks like he’s a competitor. No stamina yet but he has the tools to make an impact right away,” Guiao said.

Guiao added that fielding in a new import at the middle of the tournament is a risk and he just hopes that the 30-year old Michigan native will blend well immediately with his new teammates.

“Having a new import and blending him with the team in a short period of time is hard. We’re just hoping that we are able to defend their guards and import enough to minimize their efficiency,” he added.

Guiao knows the Dyip are a dangerous team as they play with high confidence like a well-oiled machine.

Columbian is coming off a 102-90 win over Blackwater to improve its win-loss record to 3-2.

Rashawn McCarthy caught fire and put up 25 points while shooting 7-of-13 from the three-point line. Import Khapri Alston had 24 points and 20 rebounds while CJ Perez finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists along with two steals and two blocks for the Dyip.

“They are (NLEX) a strong team. They’ve got a good import and of course (Kiefer) Ravena. So we’re going to need to double our effort on the floor,” Columbian coach John Cardel said.

“Hopefully, we can get a win. Our goal is to go to the quarterfinals. And if we win this game we have a chance to get there.

Meanwhile, the Elite and the Hotshots try bounce back from their previous losses.

Blackwater is sitting at the 10th spot in the standings with 1-3 mark while Magnolia holds a 3-2 slate.