By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Marion Magat is set to return to the NLEX Road Warriors after being shipped by the Blackwater Bossing ahead of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup later this month in Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Based on the trade deal that is still waiting for the PBA Commissioner’s Office approval, the Road Warriors reacquired Magat by sending Mike Ayonayon and William McAloney to the Bossing.

Road Warriors head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao said the former National University Bulldogs forward is a welcome addition to NLEX as they search for a big man with a shooting touch.

“Naghahanap kami ng big men and Marion can help us in that aspect. Naging player ko na rin siya. Naglaro na siya for NLEX so we more or less knew what he could do,” Guiao said.

Magat first played for the Road Warriors in t2018 after being picked up via free agency. After blossoming under Guiao, he was traded to the TNT Tropang Giga in 2019. Magat was then moved to the Bossing in late 2019.

During the just-concluded 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, the 6-foot-4 Magat submitted averages of 5.50 points, 4.80 rebounds and 0.60 assists as the Bossing’s starting power forward.

On the part of Ayonayon and McAloney, it will be a new beginning for them under the rebuilding Bossing after being benched in their two years with the Road Warriors.

Ayonayon only played for five games for the Road Warriors in the first conference where he averaged 0.40 points, 0.80 rebounds and 0.60 assists, while McAloney saw action in seven games and has averages of 1.86 points and 1.86 rebounds.

“Matagal na namin gusto si Mike, so we asked NLEX. Matagal na ‘to niluluto, eh,” said Bossing head coach Ariel Vanguardia. “William, on the other hand, can be a younger version of Vic Manuel.”/ASC, WDJ