NORTHPORT coach Pido Jarencio believes the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, being staged in an NBA-like bubble setting in Pampanga, is one for the record books.
And so are its participants.
"History ito. Pagtanda natin pag-uusapan pa rin ito, na nagkaroon ng pandemic, PBA binabol, part tayo," said Jarencio.
"Part tayo ng history. Hindi na ito mawawala sa Google, Wikipedia, mga ganoon."
Of course, that niche would be made extra special if the Batang Pier win it all. But Jarencio's sights are trained right now on his team's shape as it goes on a collision course with Blackwater Monday at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Angeles City.
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"Basta kami, focus namin is to get the rhythm, 'yung timing," said Jarencio. "Kasi masyadong maigsi yung preparation, nine, 10 days lang. Pero we must make the most out of it and okay naman kami."
That is the same concern aired by Blackwater coach Nash Racela. "We expect a very erratic start from both teams and we thnk whichever settles down first should have a good headstart," he said.
"It will be a challenge to play a deep NorthPort squad which has a strong frontline and a steady backcourt. And t will take us playing together and helping each other if we want a good chance of stealing the game from them."
NorthPort may not be as deep as Racela fears as it only submitted a 13-man lineup for the bubble and one of them is a doubtful starter.
Kevin Ferrer and Bradwyn Guinto are back in harness, but Jonathan Grey still has to regain full strength after a right knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season.
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Jarencio now hopes his "12 strong players, ready to do battle" do their part. "Each kailangan sa labang ito. Sagaran dito," he said. (NC)
