Nxled expands rebuild, reunites more former Petro Gazz core players

Nxled’s rebuild is no longer a quiet reset—it’s becoming a clear declaration of intent.

Just days after unveiling its initial veteran haul, the Chameleons followed it up with another round of signings on Wednesday, adding Bang Pineda, Jellie Tempiatura, AA Adolfo, Nicole Tiamzon, and Joyme Cagande. The influx pushes Nxled’s offseason additions into double digits and further sharpens the outline of a team determined to shed its expansion-era growing pains.

What’s taking shape isn’t just a deeper roster, but a familiar one.

With Petro Gazz stepping away from league competition, Nxled has effectively become a landing spot—and a second chance—for several former Angels. Pineda, Tempiatura, Adolfo, and Tiamzon now reunite with Djanel Cheng, Jonah Sabete, and Ranya Musa, restoring on-court chemistry built through championship runs rather than starting from scratch.

Pineda’s arrival stands out not only for experience but for timing. At 34, the veteran libero was a steady presence in Petro Gazz’s recent Reinforced Conference title run, offering the kind of backcourt stability Nxled has long lacked. 

Tempiatura, Tiamzon, and Adolfo, meanwhile, bring versatility and familiarity with high-pressure roles after serving as key rotation pieces with the Angels.

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The Nxled Chameleons flashed a new hue for the new season as they revamped their squad with several recruits from Petro Gazz, Chery Tiggo, and Choco Mucho.

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Cagande’s move offers a different narrative. Once regarded as a promising setter out of National University, she arrives in Nxled seeking renewed opportunity after seeing limited action during her two-year stay with Chery Tiggo. 

In a system still defining its long-term direction, her addition feels as much about upside as it does depth.

These new faces join an earlier group headlined by Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, whose championship pedigree instantly raised the team’s competitive ceiling. Together, the mix of battle-tested veterans and players still carving their place in the league is rapidly transforming Nxled’s identity—from patient builder to potential disruptor.

The ambition is clear. Since entering the PVL in 2023, Nxled has yet to break through to the semifinals. With a roster now built around shared history, proven winners, and fresh motivation, the Chameleons are positioning themselves not just to compete, but to contend for relevance in the crowded middle tier of the league.

As the 2026 PVL season approaches, Nxled’s rebuild no longer feels like a long-term experiment. It looks increasingly like a calculated bet—one that could finally push the franchise into unfamiliar, but long-awaited, territory.

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