GAME HIGHLIGHTS
As the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup unfolds, NorthPort Batang Pier faces a season of renewal, recalibration, and fresh expectations. Following their surprising success in the previous Commissioner’s Cup, the team is now tasked with proving that their rise wasn’t just a fluke. Under the steady hand of head coach Bonnie Tan, NorthPort is approaching the new conference with a blend of cautious optimism and uncompromising competitiveness.
Their first test? An unpredictable Terrafirma Dyip team that has already shown flashes of potential and hunger, making this opening clash anything but routine.
Adjustments Post-JM Calma: A New Big Man Rotation
Life After the Calma Trade
One of the major shifts NorthPort had to address heading into the Philippine Cup was the departure of center JM Calma, who was recently traded to the San Miguel Beermen. While Coach Bonnie Tan has kept the specifics of his post-trade strategy under wraps, he’s been vocal about the impact of the change on the team’s dynamics.
“Kahit parang starting from scratch kami, bawal matalo pa rin,” Tan emphasized.
This mantra — “we’re starting from scratch, but losing is still not an option” — encapsulates NorthPort’s mindset. With the import players now out of the equation in the All-Filipino conference, the spotlight turns sharply toward local talents.
New Faces in the Paint: Navarro, Tratter, and Cuntapay
In the absence of Calma and imports like Kadeem Jack, Coach Tan is now banking heavily on his homegrown frontcourt trio — William Navarro, Abu Tratter, and Damie Cuntapay — to carry the interior load.
These three had limited roles in previous conferences due to the dominant presence of imports. But now, they are being given the green light — and the responsibility — to fully showcase their skillsets.
“Kailangan nilang mag-step up… we were trying to find ways the last two weeks kung paano ma-e-exploit namin ng husto talent ng mga ito,” said Tan.
The coaching staff has reportedly spent the last two weeks reworking strategies to better highlight their strengths. From setting better screens to boxing out and attacking the boards, every detail counts in a conference where size and grit matter even more in the absence of imports.
A Look Back: The Dream Run of the Commissioner’s Cup
Rising Above Expectations
NorthPort’s recent showing in the Commissioner’s Cup turned heads across the league. Propelled by the high-level play of Kadeem Jack and a cohesive unit, the Batang Pier finished the eliminations as the top-seeded team — a rare feat in franchise history.
They further cemented their credibility by eliminating the eighth-seeded Magnolia Hotshots in the quarterfinals. While their campaign ended at the hands of Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals, the run established NorthPort as a serious contender moving forward.
No Import, No Problem?
While the Commissioner’s Cup run was largely aided by an import, the transition to the All-Filipino Philippine Cup is a major litmus test. This time, the team must rely entirely on local talent — a test of system strength, individual development, and team chemistry.
The coaching staff is hopeful that the momentum and belief carried over from the last tournament will help fill in the gaps left by departing players.
Spotlight on Arvin Tolentino: The New Franchise Pillar
Breakout Season, Breakthrough Impact
If there was one player who truly came into his own during the last conference, it was Arvin Tolentino. His breakout performance earned him the Best Player of the Conference award — a first in his career — and cemented his role as the face of the franchise.
Coach Tan sees no need to worry about his star forward’s ability to handle the spotlight.
“Dati na namang focus iyan ng defense,” said Tan. “Pero ngayon, mas well-rounded na siya.”
Indeed, Tolentino has evolved. While his scoring has always been a strength, he’s now contributing across the board — grabbing rebounds, dishing out assists, and playing with greater maturity on both ends of the floor. NorthPort’s hopes for another deep playoff run will largely hinge on his continued all-around excellence.
A Leader by Example
Tolentino’s development into a well-rounded player speaks volumes not just about his skill, but also about his work ethic and leadership. In a conference where younger or lesser-used players are expected to step up, having someone like Arvin leading by example could be the x-factor NorthPort needs.
Facing Terrafirma: The Danger of Underestimation
Terrafirma’s Motivated Squad
While NorthPort is focused on internal adjustments, their immediate concern lies with their opening opponent — Terrafirma Dyip. The Dyip already made headlines by defeating Phoenix Super LPG in their conference debut, showing grit and teamwork. Though they later fell to Meralco, the team’s intensity hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“We cannot take Terrafirma lightly,” Coach Tan warned. “They won their first game, and they’re not showing up just to lose.”
Playing for Careers and Contracts
Coach Tan also pointed out a key psychological edge Terrafirma players may have — many of them are playing for their future in the league.
“They have to protect also their careers dahil their new contracts will hinge on how they will perform in this conference.”
This means every game is essentially an audition for some Dyip players, adding urgency and tenacity to their style of play. NorthPort will need to match — if not exceed — that energy if they are to come away with a win.
Building a Culture of Accountability
From “Rebuilding” to “Reloading”
While NorthPort’s current situation could easily be labeled as a rebuilding phase, Coach Tan refuses to accept that narrative. The departure of key players and the absence of an import doesn’t change the team’s mindset — they’re in it to win it.
Whether through reshuffling the lineup or finding unexpected contributors, Tan and his coaching staff are showing a proactive approach in adapting to the realities of the conference.
Empowering the Bench and Role Players
In this new phase, bench players and role guys are no longer in the shadows. Players like Cuntapay and Navarro are being empowered to own their roles, be it through setting the tone defensively or picking up the slack in rebounding. This push toward role-player elevation is an essential element of the team’s evolution.
The Road Ahead: Can NorthPort Make Another Deep Run?
Stakes Are High, but So Is Confidence
With the dust of the Commissioner’s Cup settling and the Philippine Cup just beginning, the stakes are undoubtedly high for NorthPort. The team is in a position to redefine its identity, and this opening game against Terrafirma could set the tone for the entire conference.
Despite roster adjustments, Coach Tan’s message is clear: winning remains the goal. His belief in his players, particularly in the trio of Navarro, Tratter, and Cuntapay, shows that this isn’t a team searching for excuses — it’s one searching for opportunities.
Watching the Core Develop
From Arvin Tolentino’s continued leadership to the big men taking on new responsibilities, NorthPort fans have much to watch for. It’s not just about making the playoffs — it’s about watching the next phase of the franchise’s development unfold in real-time.
And as they prepare to battle Terrafirma, one thing is clear: NorthPort is not here to rebuild — they’re here to contend.
NorthPort’s journey in the PBA Philippine Cup promises to be one of transition and transformation. With a committed coaching staff, a rising star in Arvin Tolentino, and a group of big men ready to take on new roles, the team is embracing its challenges head-on.
The loss of key figures and the absence of imports may seem daunting, but under Coach Bonnie Tan, the Batang Pier are determined to prove they have more than enough firepower and heart to go deep once again.
Their first match against Terrafirma isn’t just a game — it’s a statement of intent.