A GLIMPSE of how well NorthPort has adapted to its adjustments should be had Saturday when it opens up its PBA Philippine Cup campaign against unpredictable Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Coach Bonnie Tan declined from detailing exactly what tinkering he and his staff did after center JM Calma got traded to San Miguel Beer, but did express his Batang Pier's mantra for the entire season-ending tourney.
"Kahit parang starting from scratch kami, bawal matalo pa rin," said Tan on the eve of the match, before adding more contributions are now expected from his remaining big men in William Navarro, Abu Tratter and Damie Cuntapay.
"Last two conferences medyo limitado playing time nila dahil nga may import, but this time kailangan nilang mag-step up kaya nga me and my staff were trying to find ways the last two weeks kung paano ma-e-exploit namin ng husto talent ng mga ito," revealed Tan.0
"Hopefully, makapag-contribute ng maayos sa team dahil wala na ngang import ngayon."
Sponsored content:
Mainly through reinforcement Kadeem Jack, NorthPort went on dream run in the last Commissioner's Cup as it emerged as eliminations topnotcher and ousted eighth-seed Magnolia in the quarterfinals before bowing to Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals.
The Batang Pier are understandably hoping for another deep run in the playoffs but must first focus on hurdling Terrafirma.
The Dyip got off to a fine start in the conference, beating Phoenix Super LPG before running into the brick wall Meralco put up.
Tan insists the Dyip remain dangerous as their ongoing campaign could be the last for most of them. "We cannot take Terrafirma lightly," said Tan.
"Alam naman natin na they won their first game so sinasabi ko sa mga players na hindi pupunta mga iyan para magpatalo lang," added Tan. "They have to protect also their careers dahil their new contracts will hinge on how they will perform in this conference so kailangan nilang mag-perform ng maayos."
Sponsored content:
But while Navarro, Tratter and Cuntapay would have additional load, Arvin Tolentino should still be NorthPort's linchpin after bagging his first-ever Best Player of the Conference in the last Commissioner's Cup.
Tan is not worried about his star player. "Dati na namang focus iyan ng defense," the coach pointed out.
"Maganda nito, naipakita ni Arvin na he's now more of a well-rounded player," added Tan. "Hindi lang siya sa scoring ngayon but also in rebounds and assists and we expect more of the same from him."(NC)
