NLEX welcomes new import as KJ McDaniels is set to leave

The NLEX Road Warriors is set to parade a new import as KJ McDaniels is scheduled to leave the ballclub soon amid the ongoing 2021 PBA Governors' Cup.

NLEX on Thursday announced that Cameron Clark is tipped to replace McDaniels, who steered the team to an impressive 7-3 win-loss card in the import-flavored conference behind league leader Magnolia Hotshots.

But before he flies to the States, McDaniels will play his farewell game on Friday when they go up against defending champion Ginebra at 6 p.m.

A strong candidate for the Best Import Award with averages of 30.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 1.5 steals, McDaniels will have to fly back to his hometown as his wife is about to give birth.

“In fairness to K.J., he already told us about his situation as early as last year, saying his wife expects a baby by March. We didn’t know that the tournament will be stretched until April because of the suspension of the games,” said Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao.

“Sayang, kasi ang laki ng tsansa niya na mag-Best Import and at the same time, we also like our chances of making a deep run with him as reinforcement in the playoffs, or hopefully, make our first ever finals appearance. But we have to deal with it.”

Clark, on the other hand, will arrive on Friday.

The 6-foot-6 cager is a former Oklahoma University star who spent the past few years playing as an import in several professional leagues in Germany, Turkey, Italy, and Israel.

Clark, 30, last played for Oldenburg in the Bundesliga Basketball League in Germany where he posted norms of 13 points and 5.8 rebounds. — LA, GMA News