He has been doing everything he can to lead the Road Warriors.
It’s been quite the PBA Commissioner’s Cup for the NLEX Road Warriors.
After flashing signs of life with original import Thomas Robinson, the Road Warriors had to let go of the former NBA pro due to some issues with the team and management.
Since then, NLEX has brought in Stokley Chaffee Jr., who previously played for Omonia Nicosia team in Cyprus from 2019 to 2021. Subsequently, he joined Kobrat in Finland, playing with them from 2021 to 2022.
In his three games with the Road Warriors, Chaffee has already flashed his brilliance with the team, averaging 26.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
These numbers, however, have yet to translate into wins for NLEX as they currently sit with a 2-5 record in the conference.
Nonetheless, Chaffee has enjoyed the competition, especially going up against guys older than him.
“You have a lot of older, more IQ-wise stronger players that have been in the league, that have been playing for a while and they understand how the game is supposed to be played,” Chaffee told Noli Eala in One Ph's Power and Play.
“I'm still taking strides and learning, but I really enjoy the competition here,” he added.
As the 26-year-old forward continues to develop his game in the PBA, he also knows how big of a stepping stone the league can be for his basketball career.
“The PBA is one of those leagues where like if you're here, it can be a stepping stone or it can be a place where you land,” said Chaffee. “I'm fortunate enough to come here at this time of my career and learn so much from the guys around me and the guys I'm playing against.”
Chaffee likewise had nothing but love for his coaches and teammates, whom he says have been helpful in his PBA journey so far. He even described coach Frankie Lim in two simple words—and those two words didn't include temperamental, mercurial, fiery, and all their synonyms .
“Cool guy,” said Chaffee of Lim. “He (Frankie) comes into the game with these Jordan 3s on that were so cold. I don't know if I told him but I was like, 'Oh yeah, those are fresh.'"
“I really enjoy like going to practice and being around those guys," he added. "They're competitive, they're not afraid to teach you things, and they're not afraid to learn themselves,” he added.
Of course, the goal now for Chaffee and the rest of the Road Warriors is to grab a win and make a run for the playoffs.
And the arrival of superstar Robert Bolick to the team might just give NLEX the boost they need to make a solid push to end the elimination round.
The Road Warriors face the TNT Tropang Giga next on Wednesday, December 13, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
(MDB)