Malonzo credits NorthPort vets for keeping team togerther

NorthPort veteran Sean Anthony drives to the basket as the bench looks on. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—NorthPort’s been enjoying a successful run as of late winning back-to-back games without its entire coaching staff and rookie Jamie Malonzo knows who just to thank for the show of form.

Malonzo credited team manager Bonnie Tan for keeping the team in check and the team’s veterans including captain Sean Anthony, Kevin Ferrer and Greg Slaughter as the Batang Pier play without head coach Pido Jarencio and his staff in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup.

Jarencio and his staff tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolation in their respective homes in Metro Manila.

“Our vets have been doing a great job keeping us together, leading us, coaching us, doing everything right now without the coaches,” said Malonzo after the Batang Pier’s 104-84 drubbing of TerraFirma Saturday at DHVSU Gym.

“Shout out to Sean Anthony, he’s been doing a great job leading our team, shout out to Kevin Ferrer, he’s doing a great job and he doesn’t get a lot of credit, and then of course to Greg.”

The Batang Pier, who played two games in three days, improved to a 3-3 record and will play another game on Sunday against NLEX.

Malonzo, who finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals, added that he and his teammates not only want to appreciate the work Tan has done but also dedicate their wins to their coaches who’re recovering from COVID-19.

“Our inspiration you know are the coaches. We got our coaches back home watching us so just coming out there and getting the wins for them, and getting the second win for coach Bonnie,” said Malonzo.