MANILA – The NLEX Road Warriors have made their first move under new head coach Jimmy Alapag, days before the curtain-raiser of the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup.
NLEX on Tuesday welcomed sophomore guard Evan Nelle, following his short stint with the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
"Welcome to NLEX, Evan Nelle! A floor general who thrives under pressure, sees every play before it unfolds, and keeps the offense rolling, you’re built for the road ahead," the team wrote on its official Facebook page.
"The journey starts now and we’re coming full speed. Let’s own the road," it added.
Nelle showed his playmaking skills while with Phoenix, averaging 8.08 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in the Commissioner's Cup.
The sophomore guard helped lead the Fuel Masters to the quarterfinals, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Barangay Ginebra.
Nelle's move to NLEX will see him share the court with his former San Beda Red Lions teammate Robert Bolick, whom he last played with in NCAA Season 94.
With Nelle's arrival, NLEX has reinforced its backcourt rotation that includes Schonny Winston, Kevin Alas, and LJay Gonzales.
Before announcing the arrival of Nelle, the Road Warriors parted ways with Sidney Onwubere, who was with the team since November 2025.
Onwubere made his PBA comeback after signing a two-conference deal with NLEX.
"Thank you, Sidney Onwubere. Nothing but respect and gratitude for everything you brought to the NLEX Road Warriors. Your grit, energy, and relentless hustle made an impact every time you stepped on the floor," the team wrote.
"Thank you for repping the squad with pride. Wishing you nothing but success in your next chapter. Once a Road Warrior, always a Road Warrior. Go shine, Sid!" it added.
The Fuel Masters will be the seventh team for the 32-year-old in the PBA.
Onwubere has two PBA championships under his belt during his stint with Ginebra.
NLEX and new coach Alapag will open their campaign on July 10, the same day the Governors' Cup tips off at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.