PBA: Frankie Lim likes NLEX’s ‘toughness’ in unbeaten start

FILE–NLEX coach Frankie Lim. – PBA PICTURES

NLEX coach Frankie Lim believes his team’s 2-0 start in the PBA Governor’s Cup is more than just having former NBA player Jonathon Simmons as an import.

“[I think] it has to do with the makeup of the team,” Lim said after the Road Warriors’ 121-112 win over NorthPort Batang Pier on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

While Simmons’ presence has been impressive as Don Trollano and Kevin Alas show why they are the two best players, Lim is also pleased with the way the new players are contributing.

The Road Warriors made some changes before the end of the season conference began, releasing Justin Chua and adding hard-working veteran Sean Anthony and former San Beda player Lim Jake Pascual in a three-team trade with TNT Tropang Giga and Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Anthony was solid for NLEX in the win against his former team, scoring 16 points and eight rebounds.

“Last conference, I had to settle with what we had,” said Lim, who took over after Yeng Guiao left for Rain or Shine a week before the Commissioner’s Cup opened at the end of September.

“At least this conference, we got new guys coming in. And the significant change is that you can see a lot of toughness in my players. And that’s a good sign.”

However, that strength will be tested in February when NLEX faces some of the league’s perennial elite.

NLEX plays TNT on Wednesday, and will face struggling Phoenix on February 4 before taking on Barangay Ginebra on February 8, Magnolia on February 16 and Converge on February 18.

Rain or Shine and Guiao will be the final opponents of NLEX for the month on February 25.

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