ASIDE from giving free agents and rookie hopefuls the chance to show their wares, NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan said the pro league’s extended pre-season will also be a crucial yardstick in his team’s consistency test.
The Batang Pier have passed their last two tests with flying colors, pleasing Tan no end.
“Kasi hinahanap natin dito is consistency. Based on our last two games puwedeng sabihin na mayroon na kahit paano,” Tan said. “Pero mas higit pa roon ang gusto namin and hopefully maipakita dito sa remaining games namin.
“Basta ang sinasabi ko sa kanila, ‘Tapusin natin ng maayos’ itong tournament,” he added.
NorthPort tries to stretch its winning streak to three when it squares off with Rain or Shine today in the PBA On Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The game is set at 5 p.m., with the Batang Pier keen on doing an encore to a 105-86 blasting of Phoenix five days ago that hiked their mark to 5-4 in a tie for fifth with Converge.
The Fuel Masters take on winless TNT in the nightcap at 7:30. Tan is not one to look past the Elasto Painters, who are aching to atone for an 88-103 loss to unbeaten Magnolia last Saturday in Dumaguete.
“Rain or Shine, mabigat kalaban palagi, pero sabi ko nga sa mga bata, this is the time na makikita natin kung iyong mga improvements na gusto natin nandoon na,” Tan said. “Kung iyong consistency as a team na hinahanap natin nandoon na rin.”
NorthPort will rely on the likes of Arvin Tolentino, JM Calma, Paul Zamar and Joshua Munzon.
“Whether starter or off the bench kailangan steady ang contribution, wala iyong ‘bawi next time’ mentality,” Tan said.
“Lagi kong sinasabi, this is the chance for them to shine lalo na doon sa mga (unrestricted free agents) UFA at magpapa-draft. Huwag nilang sayangin.”
With a 6-2 card for second, Rain or Shine will count on Anton Asistio, Gian Mamuyac, Leonard Santillan, Shaun Ildefonso, Jhonard Clarito and veteran Beau Belga to deliver.
