NLEX Gives Returning Jones A Second Chance as Import
DeQuan Jones, who came in as a replacement import for Myke Henry and helped carry the Road Warriors to the playoffs until they got booted out by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the rest of the TNT Tropang 5G last year, is being given a second chance by the Road Warriors in the season-ending Governors’ Cup.
Unable to sustain their winning run in the Commissioner’s Cup even after finishing No.1 in the elimination round, the Road Warriors will be pinning their hopes on a returning reinforcement, giving him the opportunity to redeem himself.
NLEX board governor Ronald Dulatre confirmed this development to ALL-STAR Magazine via Messenger.
“He’s talented and has a great attitude, so we’re willing to give him a second chance,” was Dulatre’s confirmation.
The 35-year-old, well-travelled import, came in to replace Henry ahead of the playoffs of the 2024 Governors Cup where he averaged 32 points and 11 rebounds and an impeccable 52% shooting from beyond the arc.
He had good runs with the Road Warriors, finishing with 49 points in a 123-114 overtime loss to Rain or Shine for an auspicious debut, and had a 44-point output in a crucial 103-99 overtime victory against Barangay Ginebra on September 22, 2024.
Jones has played in big-time leagues, including the NBA with the Orlando Magic in the 2012-2013 season, averaging 3.7 points in 63 games.
He also saw action in the G League and was named Most Improved Player in 2018 while playing for Fort Wayne Mad Ants and caught the fancy of fans when he won the slam dunk event in G League’s All-Star Game that same year.
Jones also played in Europe and Asia, but more than his experience playing in different parts of the world, it’s his knowledge on the Pinoy style of play that gives him an edge, according to head coach Jong Uichico, who handled the import when he just took over the coaching reins from previous NLEX mentor, Frankie Lim.
“He is the type of import that we need,” wrote Uichico in a text message to this writer. “He has good chemistry with the guys and he knows the PBA style.”
