For the second straight PBA conference, the NorthPort Batang Pier earned a convincing victory in their opening assignment.
The Batang Pier never really gave the Terrafirma Dyip a chance as the Dyip only held a lead for a minute and 26 seconds and trailed for much of the game. Eight players scored at least six points for NorthPort, whose balanced effort was also evident in the five blocks, nine steals, and the 23 turnovers they forced on the defensive end.
An abundance of talent is evident within the Batang Pier roster, which is arguably the most exciting one right now in the PBA. It’s up there as one of the league’s best All-Filipino lineups on paper along with the likes of the San Miguel Beermen and the TNT Tropang Giga. In fact, NorthPort’s youth should give them a leg up on the Beermen and the Tropang Giga in the long run. Unless of course, they give away their stars.
Arvin Tolentino remains the Batang Pier’s main man, and more than his game-high 19 points, it’s his 12 assists that stand out. The 2024-2025 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup’s Best Player of the Conference has always had a knack for scoring, but his playmaking for his teammates could open things up and give him some MVP votes. Not only will Tolentino be tougher to guard, but it definitely backs the notion that he is taking the next step towards becoming a bonafide star.
William Navarro has been more efficiency than flash, and that trait has made him the subject of constant trade rumors. He’s been an excellent complement to Tolentino in that he is reliable and an easy target for passes. Opposing teams seem to take him for granted because of his tendency to quietly produce and deal damage.
The likes of Joshua Munzon, Cade Flores, Abu Tratter, Allyn Bulanadi, and even Evan Nelle form part of the core that could make NorthPort competitive by maximizing matchups on offense while giving the Batang Pier that pesky and physical identity on defense.
The parts that make up the NorthPort Batang Pier and the solid opening day victory are what give them hope that the 2025 Honda PBA Philippine Cup campaign will end better than the 2024-2025 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The Batang Pier also had a strong start in the last conference, but fizzled out in the postseason, ending with a tinge of disappointment.
NorthPort enters the All-Filipino Cup with the same core, but they are an experienced bunch now, even if more slightly. Wins will likely come in bunches given the Batang Pier’s talent, but their character development could take them further so long as they tap into it.
