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MANILA, Philippines—The reunion between Jervy Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, and NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio is off to a great start.
Jarencio was the duo’s former college coach back at University of Santo Tomas.
Cruz and Jarencio celebrated a UAAP championship in 2006. Ferrer and Jarencio, meanwhile, made the finals twice during their time.
And it was like the good old days on Saturday when the three recreated that magic once more in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in the Batang Pier’127-99 beating of the Blackwater Elite.
“Of course, I’m happy because coach Pido was my coach in college and he took me in to play for him here in the PBA,” said Cruz in Filipino. “Coach Pido knows my style of play.”
Cruz played just two minutes a game for Ginebra during the conference and had zeroes across his name but Jarencio effectively utilized his former collegiate star with the 6-foot-4 big man putting up 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Ferrer, on the other hand, was often used as a defensive stopper for the Gin Kings but Jarencio knew his 6-foot-4 forward was also a threat offensively.
With Jarencio’s orders, Ferrer lit up for 23 points on top of five rebounds, and six assists.
“The coaches trusted me especially coach Pido, because just in our first practice coach immediately told me that we’re going to be a running team so I can play my game,” said Ferrer in Filipino. “If you’re open, just shoot it, no one will get angry.”
“It’s amazing playing for coach Pido because I missed this,” added Ferrer. “He’s like a father to me, I know he won’t leave me hanging as long as I give my hundred percent.”