Shorthanded NorthPort loses more players to injuries

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO—NorthPort’s start in the PBA Governors’ Cup is headed for a rough patch.

Not only did the Batang Pier, who once held the franchise name GlobalPort, lost to NLEX, 123-107, they’re also bound to lose some of their players on top of those who were already absent in their opening game.

Head coach Pido Jarencio said he’s looking to put guards Jeric Teng and Nico Elorde in the injury list.

Teng and Elorde, Jarencio said, are sure to be out of the squad who already lost forward Sean Anthony to injury and star point guard Stanley Pringle who’s representing the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games.

“First of all, we sorely miss the two guys Stanley and Sean, I think by September 1 they’ll be able to join us,” said Jarencio Sunday at Ynares Center here in Antipolo.

“Another thing that hurts is Elorde and Teng will be out, there are so many injured players in our team.”

Teng and Elorde both got hurt in the third quarter of their game against the Road Warriors and Jarencio is already looking to meet with management to solve the problem.

Elorde sustained his injury in the final minute of the third when he landed on his back while Teng, Jarencio said, suffered a tightened right calf muscle.

“The coaching staff and the management will talk about this because you will spend if you’re willing to get players who will replace those who are injured,” said Jarencio.

“You can’t just get any free agent out there because there are contracts involved and salaries to be paid.”