ROBERT Bolick may have hogged the limelight due to an impressive debut, but coach Pido Jarencio is not one to give credit to just one player for his NorthPort crew's smashing start in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Even if he is Bolick and certainly not even if he's Stanley Pringle.
More so now that the Batang Pier are gunning for the early leadership when they tangle with the bristling NLEX Road Warriors Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Simply put, the Road Warriors are determined to bounce back from an 87-96 loss to Rain or Shine only last Friday.
For its part, NorthPort is raring to follow up its 117-91 demolition of Blackwater last Wednesday when Bolick notched 26 points, on a very efficient 10-of-12 field shooting, on top of three rebounds and as many assists in his pro debut.
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Jarencio knows exactly what to expect. "Coming from a loss to Rain or Shine, NLEX will bounce back stronger," he said.
"We have to defend their transition and their halfcourt game," added Jarencio. "We have to play consistent basketball in both offense and defense."
That has already been shown by NorthPort in its first game and while Jarencio gave special mention to Bolick, he also did not forget to cite his other players, including new recruit Jam Sollano and sophomore Lervin Flores.
"Talagang nag-complement si Bolick sa team. At the same time, 'yung Sollano rin, nakatulong. Iyung Flores, nag-blossom na after one year," said Jarencio after the Blackwater game.
"Total team effort talaga. Lahat naman they did their share."
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Indeed, Sollano saw limited minutes as a third-string center, but did help out in the middle while Flores hauled down a career-high 12 rebounds on top of four points as a rare starter.
Sean Anthony, Bradwyn Guinto and Mo Tautuaa also finished with at least 11 points each.
As for Pringle? Seemingly content to let his teammates do most of the scoring, he still silently did his thing and chipped in 16 points, aside from seven rebounds, five assists and six steals.
The bearded guard who led the league in scoring last season and finished second behind San Miguel Beer's June Mar Fajardo in MVP voting has another use for Jarencio.
"Sabi ko sa kanila (Batang Pier) Stanley got to the Mythical Five, running for MVP. Siguro naman dapat gumising na lahat, tulungan naman si Stanley," related Jarencio.
"Ayoko namang sabihin na NorthPort is all about Stanley. Gusto ko lahat involved." (NC)
