PBA Trade News: NLEX is looking to upgrade

(c) PBA Media Bureau

Coach Yeng Guiao was not satisfied with his guard rotation after their 1-point defeat at the hands of Phoenix Fuel Masters.

According to coach Yeng, the absence of Kevin Alas and Kiefer Ravena had given the other guards enough time to show up.

 "I’m actually disappointed that they haven’t stepped up. Nagiistep up naman sila. May mga magaganda sang laro. But what we need there is more consistency. If we cannot find that consistency with the guys within our team, maybe we should look somewhere else..." Coach Yeng said.

So, who are the guards that he was talking about?

Philip Paniamogan played 21 minutes against Phoenix, tallying 5 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 turnovers and 50% FG.

Kenneth Ighalo delivered 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 66% FG.

Bong Galanza produced 12 points, 20% 3FG, 2 assists and 1 turnover.

Cyrus Baguio was able to give them 9 points, 80% FG, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 turnover.

Juami Tiongson and Mark Tallo combined to play 10 minutes and produced 2 assists, 1 turnover and 1 steal.

Those six guards combined to have a -12 +/- stat. That means that when those guards are on the floor, NLEX was outscored by 12 points.

Coach Yeng said that he did not see an upgrade in the free-agency. Thus, the only path that he can take now is through a trade.

So, who are the guys that he should target?

There are a lot of possibilities.