Who Are the PBA NLEX Players Making an Impact This Season?

The humid Manila air clung to my skin as I settled into my usual seat at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the familiar scent of polished court and popcorn filling the space. Below me, the NLEX Road Warriors were running drills, their sneakers squeaking in a rhythm I’d come to know as well as my own heartbeat. I’ve been following this team for years, through rebuilding phases and near-misses, and this season, something feels different. There’s a shift—a new energy. It got me thinking, who are the PBA NLEX players making an impact this season? It’s not just about the star names you see in headlines; it’s about the quiet contributors, the unexpected heroes stepping into the light when the team needs them most.

I remember chatting with a fellow fan, Miguel, during a timeout last week. We were debating the team’s roster depth over lukewarm beers, and he mentioned how uncertain things felt after the draft. He echoed what many insiders have hinted at, quoting a source close to the management: “We don’t know how deep the draft is. Tingin ko baka hindi naman ganun kalalim, so hindi pa rin naming puwedeng gamitin ’yun para punuan yung kulang namin.” That line stuck with me because it highlights a truth NLEX has had to face—they can’t rely on fresh picks alone to fill gaps. Instead, they’ve leaned on existing players who’ve stepped up in surprising ways, turning potential weaknesses into strengths on the court.

Take Don Trollano, for instance. I’ve watched him evolve from a role player into a clutch performer, and this season, he’s averaging around 18.2 points per game, a jump of nearly 4 points from last year. It’s not just the stats, though; it’s the timing. In that tight game against Barangay Ginebra a month back, he drained a three-pointer with 12 seconds left, sealing a win that felt like a statement. I’ll admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs, and seeing Trollano shine when the pressure’s on? It’s the kind of stuff that makes you leap out of your seat, spilling your drink in the process. Then there’s Kevin Alas, who’s bounced back from injuries with a vengeance. His playmaking has been slick, dishing out about 5.1 assists per game, and his defense? Underrated, in my opinion. He’s like the glue holding the backcourt together, especially when the pace gets frantic.

But what really fascinates me is how the team’s big men are redefining their roles. Justin Chua, for example, isn’t just a rebounder anymore—he’s stretching the floor with his mid-range shots, hitting at a 48% clip from the field. I recall a play against Magnolia where he snagged a crucial offensive board and kicked it out for an assist, turning a potential fast break into a smooth transition. It’s moments like these that make you appreciate the unsung heroes. And let’s not forget Calvin Oftana, the rookie who’s playing like a veteran. Sure, the draft might not have been deep, as that earlier quote suggested, but Oftana’s impact has been immediate. He’s putting up solid numbers, around 11.5 points and 6 rebounds a game, and his energy on both ends is infectious. I’ve seen him dive for loose balls in the fourth quarter when others are gassed, and that hustle? It’s pure heart.

Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. There are games where the lack of depth shows, like in that blowout loss to San Miguel where the bench only contributed 15 points total. It’s frustrating, I won’t lie, but it also makes the wins sweeter. As a fan, I’ve learned to temper my expectations, but this group keeps pulling off surprises. They’re not the flashiest team in the PBA, but they play with a grit that’s hard not to admire. When I think back to that conversation with Miguel, I realize NLEX isn’t just waiting for reinforcements; they’re building from within, and players like Trollano and Oftana are proof that impact isn’t always about big names—it’s about stepping up when it counts. So, as the season rolls on, I’ll be here in my seat, cheering for these guys, because in a league full of stars, it’s the quiet impact makers who often write the best stories.