There’s a lot of hype surrounding Jonathon Simmons’ PBA debut with the NLEX Road Warriors against Blackwater in the Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today. He’s one of only two former NBA players among 12 imports this conference with Meralco’s KJ McDaniels the other. No doubt, Simmons comes with impressive creds but it remains to be seen if he’ll reprise his best NBA moments in the PBA. If Simmons plays anywhere near what he showed in his NBA highlights, PBA fans are in for a treat.
Simmons, 33, wasn’t drafted after a year playing for the University of Houston. He had workouts with seven NBA teams but didn’t impress. Simmons, however, didn’t hang his head down and found a willing taker in the Sugar Land Legends of the little-known American Basketball League. He took out his frustrations on the ABL and averaged a whopping 36.5 points in 16 games with a 48.5 percent clip from beyond the arc. Too bad the ABL ended its planned 24-game season early, folding up in the wake of allegations that players and coaches weren’t paid. Then, Simmons tried his luck with the San Antonio Spurs’ D-League (now G-League) affiliate Austin Toros and paid a registration fee of $150 for a tryout. That led to Simmons signing a $20,000-a-year contract with the Toros and after two seasons, jumped to the NBA. Simmons wound up playing in 258 games, including 69 starts, for the Spurs, Orlando and Philadelphia in four seasons, averaging 8.3 points. He took home $14.7 million from the NBA.
Simmons emerged a folk hero in the NBA, gaining widespread media attention because of his journey from obscurity. Against the Milwaukee Bucks, he was heckled by fans chanting “Who are you” but silenced the crowd by scoring 18 points. Simmons made his first career playoff start in place of Kawhi Leonard to hit 18 points against the Houston Rockets in 2017 and the next year, shot 34, including 22 in the third quarter, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. That same year, Simmons torched the Bucks with 35 points. After his NBA stint, Simmons played two seasons in China then jumped to the PBA.
NLEX coach Frankie Lim said Simmons fits smoothly within his system. “No airs, no attitude because if he had, he’d be gone,” said Lim. “Players like him. He’s coachable, runs our plays well. His conditioning is coming along. When he gets the opportunity, he’ll play inside and sometimes, we’ll do isolations.” Lim said NLEX won its two preseason outings over Blackwater by 10 and NorthPort by three although the Road Warriors had an 18-point lead. Gone from last conference’s roster are Marion Magat, Justin Chua, Paul Varilla and Larry Fonacier (now team manager). Asi Taulava isn’t in the lineup but remains with the franchise. Moving in are Clint Doliguez, Sean Anthony, Jake Pascual and Hesed Gabo.
“Tony (Semerad) and Jake were San Beda teammates,” said Lim. “Clint joined San Beda later. You’ll be surprised with Gabo. He’s aggressive on defense and quick. He’s different from our other point guards Kevin (Alas), Kris (Rosales) and Matt (Nieto).” Gabo played on championship teams in the MPBL and FilBasket. Like Simmons, Gabo was undrafted so he has a model to follow.
Blackwater coach Ariel Vanguardia said the Bossing is ready for NLEX. “Simmons plays outside while (Shawn) Glover, inside but at some point, we’ll put Glover on him,” he said. “Our starting five will be Baser (Amer), Rashawn (McCarthy), Gab (Banal), Glover and Ato (Ular) or Yousef (Taha). Tyrus (Hill) is playing. Josh (Torralba) and Jvee (Casio) are playing, too.” Blackwater’s additions from last conference are RK Ilagan, Mike DiGregorio, Richard Escoto (reactivated from 3x3) and Hill. Out of the lineup are Jollo Go, Justin Melton, Barkley Ebona and Mark Dyke.