NLEX activates rookie David Murrell as injuries pile up

The NLEX Road Warriors have elevated David Murrell to the active roster ahead of their important clash with the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots at 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the PBA Governors' Cup.

The move came after several NLEX players in Calvin Oftana, Tony Semerad, and Mike Miranda all suffered injuries when the season-ending conference returned last week after a break.

The team confirmed the development on its official website, saying Murrell, the team's 20th pick during the previous Rookie Draft, has been doing well in practice with the squad.

“He’s an athletic player and I don’t think he’ll have difficulty adjusting to what we’re doing with the team,” NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao said.

“We had a good two-day practice and that keeps us upbeat of our chances going to our game on Wednesday against Magnolia.”

NLEX is trying to improve its standing as after four consecutive wins against San Miguel, Northport, TNT, and Terrafirma to open the conference, it lost its next two games against Phoenix Super LPG and Meralco for a 4-2 card.

The team, however, was met with misfortunes with injuries.

Team physician Dr. Ton Arcangel said Oftana endured a fracture on his left ring finger while Semerad suffered a tear on his right calf muscle. Both Oftana and Semerad will be out for the next six weeks.

Miranda, on the other hand, is being sidelined by due to a ganglion cyst on the foot and stress pathology on the second metatarsal joint and will be out for the next few months.

Murrell said he's looking forward to bringing more to the table after being part of the team's 3x3 team, the Cavitex Braves.

“I feel really excited to finally move up,” said Murrell.

“But I wish the circumstances were a bit different. We, as a team, obviously need Anthony and Calvin, but I’m going to try and do my best to fill their roles.”

—JMB, GMA News