MANILA, Philippines—Things are starting to look up for NorthPort for the upcoming 2019 PBA season.
The Batang Pier already had a decent campaign in the 2017-18 season, going into the playoffs twice and only missing out in the Governors’ Cup when star guard Stanley Pringle played just eight games due to national team duties.
That string of exits, though, may be a thing of the past for NorthPort once the new year starts with head coach Pido Jarencio expecting bigger things ahead.
“I have a positive outlook for this team, the players aren’t giving up easily, the winning attitude’s there,” said Jarencio in Filipino after his team’s 102-90 victory against Rain or Shine in a tune-up game Saturday at Green Meadows Clubhouse.
Pringle was the highest-scoring local the past season putting up 21 points-per-game in a backcourt that was largely his responsibility, but just like his team’s previous season things are about to change for the MVP candidate.
Joining Pringle in the NorthPort backcourt is third overall pick Robert Bolick whom Jarencio already gave high praises to.
“Bolick’s an intelligent player, an A1 player, and he’s really a good complement for Stanley,” said Jarencio.
Bolick is a proven winner with San Beda after he helped the Red Lions to three titles during his stay with the NCAA powerhouse.
Jarencio just now has to see if Bolick’s performance in the NCAA, where he averaged stellar numbers of 16.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, could translate to the professional game.
“Stanley likes players who understand his style so these two really complement each other,” said Jarencio who basically has two floor generals who can play off one another.
“We’re still a run-and-gun team but I told them that we should have patience,” said Jarencio whose Batang Pier led the league in fastbreak points with 18.38 a game the previous season. “We can’t just attack relentlessly, we have to execute well.”