Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With the harmony in the team at an all-time high, NorthPort is, naturally, training its sights high on the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Heading into the final three games of their elimination round schedule, the Batang Pier are in prime position to do what their franchise has never achieved in their PBA existence, and that is to finish in the top two of a conference and gain a twice-to-beat privilege in the first round of the playoffs.
“We’re all on the same page this time,” coach Pido Jarencio told the Inquirer over the phone Monday afternoon when asked of the real reason why the Batang Pier are on course toward achieving a first for the franchise.
“The respect that the players have for the coach and vice versa is there, and it’s a beautiful feeling,” he said. “And with the trade that we did, I’d say we have a complete team to go deep (in the playoffs) this time.”
NorthPort has beaten the powerhouses in the tournament in its 7-1 record, counting consensus team-to-beat San Miguel Beer, Magnolia and TNT and shares the lead with the KaTropa heading into the final three weeks of eliminations.
Games against Phoenix Pulse, which will be on Wednesday, Columbian and Meralco are what’s left for Jarencio and his intrepid crew, and going 1-2 would give them an 8-3 card at the end of classification, which could be good enough for at least No. 2.