THE road to a breakthrough title has been topsy-turvy for NLEX so far in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
So the Road Warriors are pulling out all stops to turn their fortunes around.
NLEX shipped energetic big man Ato Ular and a second-round pick in the 51st season to Phoenix in exchange for gunner Javee Mocon yesterday.
The deal has been sent to the PBA Commissioner’s Office and is awaiting the approval of pro league chief Willie Marcial.
The 6-foot-3 Mocon was tabbed by Rain or Shine sixth overall in the 2018 draft. If and when the pact is okayed, he will be reunited with former San Beda teammate Robert Bolick at the Road Warriors’ camp.
Mocon, 29, landed at the Fuel Masters from the Elasto Painters two years ago in a trade for Nick Demusis and two future draft selections after making the 2018-2019 All-Rookie team.
Bidding goodbye to the 6-foot-4 Ular, NLEX wished nothing but good luck to the former Letran cager.
“We are thankful for Ato’s time with NLEX. Although it was brief, he brought energy to our practices and games,” NLEX governor Ronald Dulatre said in a statement yesterday.
“We wish him nothing but the best in his journey with Phoenix.”
Ular was part of a three-team trade early this year that brought Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser to TNT.
He was a second-round pick in the 2022 draft by Blackwater and wound up second behind Justin Arana of Converge in the race for the Rookie of the Year award and made it to the All-Rookie team.
Pending the trade’s approval, the Road Warriors (3-3) battled the San Miguel Beermen (3-2) in Group B play last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
In what could be his final game for the Jamike Jarin-mentored Phoenix side, Mocon had two points and two rebounds in the Fuel Masters’ 107-122 loss to the Painters last Tuesday.
