PROLIFIC NLEX import Thomas Robinson’s five-day respite in Palawan and Boracay proved to be for good.
Now, the Road Warriors will try to prove there is life without Robinson when they parade Stokley Chaffee Jr. against the red-hot Magnolia Hotshots tonight in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The match is set at 8 p.m., with Magnolia seeking a fitting follow-up to a pulsating 93-91 decision over Ginebra last Nov. 19 and stretch its unbeaten run to five.
TNT collides with NorthPort in the curtain-raiser at 4 o’clock.
Robinson, the talented but mercurial NLEX reinforcement who powered the team to a 2-2 mark, missed practices and took an unauthorized vacation that prompted management to give him the pink slip.
“Thomas Robinson’s departure from the NLEX Road Warriors was a difficult but necessary decision,” NLEX team manager Larry Fonacier said in a statement last Wednesday. “We value discipline, commitment and teamwork, and unfortunately, his taking an unplanned vacation, and skipping team practices, compromised these principles.
“The team’s success depends on a collective effort and a shared commitment, and we will continue to uphold these standards as we forge ahead in the season.”
Robinson’s fall from grace came exactly a week after he figured in a verbal altercation with Batang Pier governor Erick Arejola and team manager Pido Jarencio after the Road Warriors’ 112-104 victory over NorthPort.
The 6-foot-8 Chaffee, 26, vowed to lead the charge for NLEX along with the likes of Don Trollano, Kris Rosales, Sean Anthony, Anthony Semerad, and rookie Richie Rodger.
“I’m really happy and excited. It’s something new for me. I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but rather high expectations,” Chaffee said.
“There are expectations from me not only on the court but also off the court, and obviously, to win. I hope I can meet those expectations.”