NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said he is considering signing former Alaska backup big man Marion Magat.
The 6-foot-7 Magat became available after being left unsigned by Alaska.
After considering the flurry of moves the San Miguel Beermen made this offseason Guao moved quickly to invite Magat, the Aces' 18th overall pick in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, to workout with the team.
Guiao has come away impressed after several practices and Magat's performance in a tuneup match against the Pheonix Pulse Friday.
"He has the height and the quickness. And I think with a little bit more practice, he can develop an outside shot because he already has one," Guao told ESPN5 on Friday, shortly after the Road Warriors thumped the Fuel Masters 97-88 in their tuneup match.
Guiao said Magat simply needs to develop his outside shooting further.
"If you're going to step out and shoot more perimeter shots, you have to invest more time in developing that more," Guiao said. "Since we don't have a similar system at Alaska, one of the skills of being a big man at NLEX is being able to take and make good percentage of your outside shots. And I think that's doable with him."
Guiao is trying to keep pace in the arms race with the Beermen.
"Of course, you do not try to compare yourself to San Miguel and Ginebra because in terms of talent level, what you simply want to see is if we could just stay close to them and not be left behind," Guiao said. "You always have a chance to win when you stick close to San Miguel in a game. That's what you want to happen because doing so gives you a better chance to steal a win."
San Miguel acquired Terrence Romeo, Paul Zamar, and Ronald Tubid in the offseason.
NLEX also took part in a three-team trade that landed John Paul Erram.
The 6-foot-7 Erram was a reliable scoring and rebound contributor with Blackwater last season, while emerging as a rim protector with about two blocks per contest.
Erram should provide the size needed at front court along with veteran JR Quinahan, along with ageless slotman Asi Taulava and Raul Soyud.
Should NLEX sign Magat, Guiao could have a solid front court rotation.
Add to that the entry of rookies Kris Porter, Kyles Lao, and Paul Varilla, who all add depth to NLEX this season as well as the return of Kevin Alas from injury.