While the PBA road is prematurely coming to an end for Jonathon Simmons, he is much determined to stay true to his promise to NLEX and leave a lasting impression at the end of their game against Phoenix in the 2023 Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday, Feb. 4.
The game is set at 4:30 p.m. with the prolific import hoping to lead the Road Warriors to a 4-0 start in the season-ending conference against an inspired Fuel Masters squad.
An equally entertaining battle is also expected between Meralco and Blackwater in the second game at 6:45 p.m.
Simmons, a former NBA player who has played for the San Antonio Spurs, proved to be a cut above the rest as he immediately strut his wares and led NLEX to a 3-0 record so far after averaging 36.67 points, 9.67 rebounds and 5.0 assists per outing.
He also seemed to have developed good chemistry with the rest of the Road Warriors, making head coach Frankie Lim, somehow, regret that he had to leave NLEX after just four games for a more lucrative offer in China.
Simmons, though, vowed to put NLEX in the best position possible before leaving, and he’s only a win away in doing so and fulfilling his earlier promise.
“A win. Nothing less but winning," Simmons said when asked what the fans can expect from him in his last game as he also looks to repay the opportunity given to him by the Road Warriors.
“It’s very competitive again, I don't know what to expect coming here. I just heard good things, good places to be, as far as living, food and coach and the guys made it easy for me to transition and come in to be part of the organization,” he said of the PBA and NLEX.
Out to foil the farewell plans between Simmons and NLEX, however, is Phoenix which was coming off its own breakthrough win by way of a 108-97 victory over NorthPort just last Thursday, Feb. 2,
“NLEX is one of the hottest teams right now, they won last night. They made a comeback. We’ll enjoy for the moment but we will give it our best, that’s for sure,” said head coach Jamike Jarin who finally got the monkey off his back, winning his first PBA game after four tries and since taking over the coaching reins following the departure of former coach Topex Robinson.
Jason Perkins and import Du’Vaughn Maxwell should have the daunting task of trying to limit Simmons while young guns Tyler Tio, Encho Serrano and even Sean Manganti should also provide the scoring punch when they go up against the likes of Matt Nieto and Kevin Alas from NLEX.