Henry eyeing to finish Jonathon Simmons’ uncomplete business at NLEX

PHOTO: MYKE HENRY’S IG PAGE

NLEX tapped former US men’s 3×3 team member Myke Henry as its coming import in the PBA Governors Cup.

The 31-year-old product of DePaul is coming fresh from a stint with Satria Muda in the Indonesian Basketball League, where Justine Brownlee is also playing for Pelita Jaya.

Undrafted in the NBA, Henry did suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2017-18 season after signing a two-way contract. He briefly played for the Grizzlies and averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.

Henry’s 3×3 experience

But prior to applying in the NBA draft, Henry played for a Chicago-based team that ruled the 2016 USA Basketball 3×3 National Championship in 2016. Among his teammate was NBA veteran Alfonso McKinnie.

The squad went on and represented the US in the FIBA 3×3 World Championships where it finished runner-up behind champion Serbia, 21-16, led by former world No.1 player Dusan Bulut. Henry was named part of the Team of the Tournament.

NLEX turned its eyes on Henry after initially talking to former import Jonathon Simmons for a possible PBA comeback.

The former San Antonio Spurs guard last suited up for Al Riyadi, but is currently recovering from an injury.

Simmons expressed interest in returning to the Road Warriors, saying he’ll already be available to play by early August.

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Coach Jong Uichico however, felt Simmons’ availability would be too late in the day for the franchise considering the season-opening conference is set to take off on August 18.

That’s when Henry came into the picture.

Simmons being considered anew by NLEX management was a no-brainer.

The 34-year-old native of Houston led the Road Warriors to a hot 4-0 start the last time the Governors’ Cup was held in 2022.

Simmons farewell

But the spell was a brief one for Simmons after he left NLEX – with management’s approval – to accept a huge contract offer in the Chinese Basketball Association.

Simmons was replaced by fellow NBA player Wayne Selden Jr., who carried the team to the playoffs, but had an early exit as the no. 6 seeded ballclub following its quarterfinals loss to Barangay Ginebra.

Now it’s Henry’s turn to complete the unfinished business left by Simmons.