NLEX has tapped the services of Cameron Clark as a replacement for KJ McDaniels in the PBA Governors’ Cup, the team confirmed Thursday, March 3.
Team executive Ronald Dulatre said Clark, a veteran of several pro leagues in Europe, will arrive Friday to reinforce the Road Warriors starting in the quarterfinals of the season-ending conference.
McDaniels will play his final game for NLEX against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on the same day of Clark’s arrival before heading back to the United States.
The Road Warriors granted McDaniels’ request to head back home with his wife due to give birth.
“In fairness to KJ, he already told us about his situation as early as last year,” NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said on the team’s official site. “We didn’t know that the tournament will be stretched until April because of the suspension of the games.
“Sayang, kasi ang laki ng chance niya na mag-Best Import and at the same time, we also like our chances of making a deep run with him as reinforcement in the playoffs, or hopefully, make our first ever finals appearance. But we have to deal with it.”
Clark, 30, is a product of the University of Oklahoma in the US NCAA before playing in Italy, Israel, France, Turkey and Germany.
He will have big shoes to fill as McDaniels has produced a stellar performance throughout the eliminations.
McDaniels averaged 30.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.8 blocks in 10 games for the Road Warriors, who currently hold a 7-3 record.
NLEX will try to secure a twice-to-beat advantage with McDaniels around for one last time against Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Clark is also expected to watch from the stands to get a first-hand look at his new teammates.
“(Clark) will watch our game para ma-feel na din niya ang (laro sa) PBA,” said Dulatre.