As the PBA gears up for its milestone 50th season, the NLEX Road Warriors have made a quiet but meaningful move by extending the contract of veteran swingman Robbie Herndon. 

The one-year deal, signed in early August 2025, doesn’t just secure a roster spot—it represents unfinished business and a shared goal of bouncing back from a tough ending last season.

Herndon, who joined NLEX as a free agent back in mid-2023, has been a consistent presence for the team. While his numbers—6.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game last season—don’t leap off the page, his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He brings calm, experience, and work ethic to a team that has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to put together a full championship run.

That sense of unfinished business became especially clear after NLEX’s painful quarterfinals exit in the 2024–25 Philippine Cup. Despite having a twice-to-beat advantage, the team was eliminated earlier than expected, and the disappointment was felt across the locker room. Herndon himself admitted that the loss stung, and it’s clear that the memory of that collapse has fueled his desire to come back stronger.

This contract extension is a sign of mutual trust. NLEX believes Herndon still has plenty to offer—not just as a player, but as a mentor and leader. He’s now 32, with enough PBA experience to know what it takes to win and how to guide younger teammates through the ups and downs of a long season. His shooting, defense, and ability to stay composed in big moments are qualities any coach would value.

For Herndon, the new deal is a chance to keep building on what he started with NLEX. He’s part of a core that’s aiming not just to reach the playoffs, but to make a real push for a title. With Season 50 promising to be a special one in PBA history, it’s a fitting time for Herndon and the Road Warriors to aim higher.

In the end, this move isn’t about flashy headlines or blockbuster trades. It’s about consistency, chemistry, and the belief that last season’s struggles can turn into this year’s success story. Robbie Herndon may not be the loudest name on the roster, but his commitment to the team and hunger for redemption could make all the difference when it matters most.

In the aftermath of the loss, Uichico refused to dwell on the disappointment. Instead, he chose to focus on the bigger picture and the growth the team had shown throughout the conference. “We fell short, yes, but there’s a lot to build on,” he said. “The effort was there. The experience we’ve gained—especially for our younger players—will serve us well in the long run.”

The defeat was a bitter pill, no doubt. Blowing a twice-to-beat advantage is never easy to accept, especially when the team has shown signs of peaking at the right time. But Uichico’s reaction spoke volumes about his leadership. Rather than placing blame or pointing fingers, he acknowledged the fight his team showed and emphasized the importance of learning from failure.

What made the loss even more frustrating for NLEX was how close they were. They had opportunities, but key breakdowns and missed chances ultimately cost them. Still, Uichico knows that growing pains are part of building a championship-caliber team. His perspective was clear: use the pain as fuel.

“We take this as motivation,” he added. “We’ve identified what we need to improve, and we’ll come back better.”

That sense of forward thinking is already visible in the team’s offseason moves. The re-signing of veteran wing Robbie Herndon shows that NLEX values stability and leadership moving forward. With a mix of seasoned players and developing talent, the Road Warriors have the tools—they just need time and the right mindset.