Prince Ibeh. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—NorthPort is having one of the best starts in franchise history with a 4-1 slate to open its campaign in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
This early wave of success has given the Batang Pier an incomparable confidence that not even their total obliteration of powerhouse San Miguel, 121-88, surprise them anymore.
Big man Prince Ibeh said he expected the Batang Pier to dominate the Beermen, who are coming off a historic Philippine Cup run.
“This is our expectation, we practice hard and we play hard,” said Ibeh. “This is our mindset every game to beat out our opponent and that’s what we did so it’s not surprising to me.”
Ibeh manned the paint and put up 18 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and a level of confidence he’s not shy to express.
The 6-foot-10 big man said he’s not yet in his peak form despite averaging 15.6 points, 17.4 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks.
“I still haven’t been playing to my expectations so I just keep trying to improve every game,” said Ibeh. “I think my style of play is different from what people are used to from import here in the PBA.”
“I think everyone’s thinking that you have to come in and score 40, but there’s so much more to the game.”