NORTHPORT coach Pido Jarencio is ecstatic about his team's fine start in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Magnolia's Chito Victolero could not feel the same, but let on that the pieces would finally start falling into place for his team when his Hotshots take on the Batang Pier at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After winning its first two games, a start NorthPort hasn't had since the 2019 Commissioner's Cup, it now aims to break out of its current tie with idle San Miguel Beer and Meralco, take sole possession of top spot and in the process add on to Jarencio's own enthusiasm for his team.
"Ito ang pinaka-exciting na team na hinawakan ko in my eight years dito sa NorthPort," said Jarencio moments after his undermanned Batang Pier held off hard-luck Terrafirma, 100-86, last Saturday.
NorthPort pillar Robert Bolick couldn't agree more. "I think ito 'yung pinakamagandang team ata ni coach, eh," he said after the follow up to a 94-81 opening win over Rain or Shine.
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"Wala kaming problema sa team. Wala kaming issues kasi kapag pumupunta kami sa practice, nakapakaganda ng practice namin parati. Walang kahit ano," added Bolick.
"Mahirap talunin yun, kapag buo 'yung team at saka lahat nagtutulungan," noted Jarencio.
In fairness to Magnolia, it did miss some key pieces in its losses to TNT and Converge. Paul Lee sat out the first two games due to back spasms while Mark Barroca was unable to finish the FiberXers game due to calf issues.
According to Victolero, Lee is set to make his season debut Wednesday while Barroca remains a game-time decision.
"We'll see tomorrow kung kumusta na pakiramdam," said Victolero before adding what should remain as key factors for his team.
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"Sense of urgency and proper mindset for the entire game," stated Victolero. (NC)
