NLEX has roared to an impressive start in the PBA Governors' Cup even in the absence of head coach Yeng Guiao, winning two of three matches. And the Road Warriors have Olu Ashaolu to thank for their resurgence.
Ashaolu had been at the forefront of NLEX's attack. Despite playing with practically one leg, the Nigerian-Canadian reinforcement quickly put his stamp on the Road Warriors, averaging 27 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists.
But Aaron Fuller will have to take the reins from now on.
Ashaolu will undergo therapy on the ruptured patella tendon on his right knee. He sustained the injury in a tuneup game before the season-ending conference unfurled.
"Gonna get an injection, then PRP (platelet-rich plasma). I gotta let that settle for a week or so, and then slowly incorporate some different workouts and activities," said Ashaolu in the aftermath of a 102-72 loss to Magnolia on Wednesday.
In their opener, Ashaolu took the league by storm and dropped 33 points to go with 23 rebounds, and three assists against TNT KaTropa. But his injury seemed to have taken its toll on him in the next two games.
He still made his presence felt after that, though. That's why Fuller will really have a big shoes to fill when he takes over starting Thursday.
It's not clear whether the 30-year-old Ashaolu can make a comeback this conference.
"It all depends on how quickly my knee bounces back and how good I feel," Ashaolu said.
"I'm still young. I feel like my body will respond the right way. I'm just gonna have to follow the doctors, listen to the doctors, the trainers, the rehab specialists, and just take it week by week and see how I am. I put my trust in those guys. They're the professionals."
But he is confident Fuller can do wonders for the Road Warriors the way he did last year.
"He was here last year, so he's familiar with the team. I wish him nothing but success. He's part of the team now," he said.
"I don't look at him as an opponent, I don't look at him as a rival. He's part of the team, and I hope they could continue to win without me. I wish him the best of luck."