Jun 21, 2019

Ex-Kings prop Batang Pier's roster vs Elite, McKay

NORTHPORT narrowly survived its first test in the post-Stanley Pringle era, but coach Pido Jarencio knows that luck would not hold out forever.

Main reason why Jarencio deemed it right to immediately bolster his injury-ravaged roster with the three players he got from Barangay Ginebra in return for Pringle.

"Iyung bagong tatlo lalaro na," said Jarencio, referring to Sol Mercado, Jervy Cruz and Kevin Ferrer who will see action Saturday in NorthPort's game against Blackwater in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

At least the three former Kings have had a longer time familiarizing with their new team when they see action in the Petron Blaze Special offering.

Such is not the case with the Elite and new import Jameel McKay.

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McKay, who comes in as replacement for Alex Stepheson, has had a previous PBA stint with Phoenix and that was two years ago.

The former Iowa State Cyclone arrived only Friday and hopes the one practice session he has had would be enough in propping Blackwater's bid to get back on the winning track and improve to a 5-2 record overall.

"Tomorrow is a must win for us," said Elite coach Aris Dimaunahan on the eve of the match, even enumerating the basics his players must bear in mind for them to bounce back from a 106-127 loss to San Miguel Beer last Friday.

"Taking care of the ball and executing our offense would be key," added Dimaunahan. "More importantly, we got to be defending very, very well tomorrow because they are coming off a great win versus Rain or Shine."

Indeed, NorthPort was able to upend Rain or Shine last Wednesday, rallying from a 25-point third quarter deficit to win in overtime 107-105.

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What makes the win more impressive is the fact it was fashioned despite the Batang Pier showing up with just eight men in uniform as the likes of Jonathan grey, Nico Elorde, Lervin Flores and Bradwyn Guinto were nursing injuries.

Jarencio knows that unlike the Elasto Painters, the Elite would be properly prepared.
"Blackwater is a strong team. They have good local players and a new import who plays good," said Jarencio.

"We have to be ready for everything that Blackwater will do, offensively and defensively."

NorthPort's hopes mainly are mainly hinged on the likes of Sean Anthony, Robert Bolick, Paolo Taha and Mo Tautuaa could complement Prince Ibeh's inside dominance.

For their part, Bobby Ray Parks, Allein Maliksi, Mike Digregorio and Roi Sumang are sure to headline the Blackwater locals.

And then there's McKay.

Dimaunahan is hoping McKay's averages of 23.8 points and 17.3 rebounds in his 11-game tour of duty with Phoenix would be enough to offset the loss of Stepheson's norms of 22.17 markers and league-high 22.0 boards in his five-game stint.

But Dimaunahan is also looking at McKay's other numbers, specifically his other stats of 2.1 blocks and 1.1 steals.

"Jameel McKay could protect the rim and rebound for us," stated Dimaunahan.(NC)