PBA: A title and MVP part of Arvin Tolentino’s big dream

Arvin Tolentino–MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

In just five seasons, Arvin Tolentino has established himself as one of the brightest stars in the PBA, with a Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award in the Commissioner’s Cup as a testament to that.

For the NorthPort standout, the formula behind his recent milestone is simple.

“I dream big,” he said.

Now, an even bigger prize looms for the two-way forward as he automatically became a candidate for the season MVP. But Tolentino remains grounded as he navigates this challenge with the same compass that led to his biggest milestone.

READ: PBA: RHJ, Arvin Tolentino win Best Import, Best Player awards

“I have a chance of getting it,” he said of the MVP trophy, traditionally contested by each season’s three BPC winners. “But you’re not gonna get it if you’re not gonna win a lot of games. So I’m not really gonna focus on that (MVP).”

“Sure, It’s something that I’m going to think of. But like I’ve said earlier, I didn’t expect to get or even be in contention [in the BPC race],” he said. “I just wanted to get better every day and help the team win.”

Second candidate

With the BPC award, Tolentino has joined reigning MVP, Governors’ Cup BPC, and San Miguel cornerstone June Mar Fajardo in the race for the league’s highest individual honor.

And with the Philippine Cup still to be played, the 29-year-old pride of Rizal has the chance to showcase his full arsenal again, much in the way he did in the Commissioner’s Cup where his all-around play helped NorthPort to a franchise-first No. 1 seeding and only the club’s second Final Four appearance.

Tolentino had averages of 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks—even turning in a pair of triple-doubles while playing alongside workhorse import Kadeem Jack.

“Every day, I just push myself. Not with the intention of winning any awards, but to really just be better, help my team win to hopefully win a championship,” he said.

“This is all just a bonus. And I’m very happy because not too many players have achieved this.”

While Tolentino insists on making NorthPort’s success his priority, the high standards he has set for himself will only ensure that he is going to figure prominently in the MVP derby.

“Like I said, I dream big. I really want to be the best. And to be the best, you need to be the hardest working and beat the best,” he said. INQ