NLEX eager to make first finals appearance in historic PBA 50th season

Since joining the PBA in 2014, the NLEX Road Warriors have come close to a finals appearance twice after appearing in the semifinals under then-head coach Yeng Guiao.

For team governor Ronald Dularte, the league’s historic 50th season is the perfect time for the  Road Warriors to finally make the finals and win their first championship.

Dularte said the golden season is an opportunity for the Jong Uichico-led team to finally break through to become one of the league’s top teams.

“As we prepare for our eleventh season in the PBA—and what a special one it is as the league celebrates its 50th anniversary as well—it’s a historic moment for Philippine basketball and an opportunity for our team to make history of our own,” Dularte said.

NLEX failed to make waves last season after bowing out in the quarterfinals of the Philippine and Governors’ Cups and not making the playoffs at all in the Commissioner’s Cup.

They’ve shown glimpses of a quality team through PBA All-Mythical First Team member Robert Bolick, but have yet to show consistency in winning games.

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PBA schedule | October 8 | Ynares Center – Antipolo

🏀 Meralco vs Titan Ultra
⏰ 5:15 p.m.

🏀 San Miguel vs NLEX
⏰ 7:30 p.m.

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— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 7, 2025

Dularte stressed the progress the Road Warriors have made in past seasons that could harbor more success in the league’s 50th anniversary.

“Over the past ten seasons, we’ve built a reputation of resilience and hard work. We’ve had our share of highs and lows, but through it all, the Road Warriors have shown heart,” he said.”But in our eleventh season, it’s time to turn that heart into something bigger—into wins, deeper playoff runs, and a finals run that we’ve been chasing since Day One.

“Sabi ko nga nung general assembly natin, let’s raise the bar this season. Let’s treat this season as our last season. We are not just participants; we are here to compete, to fight, and to win,” added Uichico.

NLEX’s sister teams in the MVP Group have experienced greater success in past seasons, with TNT Tropang 5G falling one conference short of a grand slam last season and the Meralco Bolts capturing the Philippine Cup crown in 2024.

PBA Chairman and TNT team Governor Ricky Vargas laid out the team’s two goals for the season: beat their sister teams and return to the top four.

“I told Coach Jong that the NLEX Road Warriors only have two goals this season. Aside from playing their best in every game, one is to beat all MVP Group teams, especially TNT. If you can, and I’m sure you can,” Vargas said.

“Two is to be in the top four. You almost did it, and I know you can do it. What better way to do that than in the 50th season of the PBA,” added Vargas.

Aside from Bolick, the Road Warriors are led by Kevin Alas and JB Bahio. Young players such as Jonnel Policarpio and Xyrus Torres are also expected to make splashes alongside rookie and former FEU standout LJay Gonzales.

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