ARVIN Tolentino may be ballin for Northport in the PBA On Tour, but big man JM Calma gets a special shoutout from coach Bonnie Tan.
"JM is the only consistent player from the start (of On Tour). Hopefully, matapos niya ng maayos," said Tan of the incoming sophomore out of San Sebastian.
While Tolentino had a career-game of 41 points in the Batang Pier's 105-86 romp over Phoenix Fuel Masters, the 6-foot-6 Calma quietly but effectively did his thing, too, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds as the team improved to a 5-4 record after nailing its second straight win Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.
In nine games, the sixth overall pick in last year's draft averaged 15.3 points and 8.4 rebounds.
The only game he failed to submit double digit in scoring came in a 99-90 win over TNT.
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Calma's effort especially in practice is now paying off, according to Tan, who describes JM as a hard working player.
"Actually after practice isa siya sa mga parating nagpapa-iwan and nag-e-extra (practice)," said the Northport mentor.
"Talagang makikita sa laro na he deserves yung playing time na nakukuha niya."
With the preseason now coming to an end, Tan said hopefully Calma's improved performance will be carried off for the new season of the league.
"Hopefully, this coming season, maging ready na siya," he added. "Wala na kaming big man, e. Siya na lang ang natitira. Kaya gusto lang namin sa kanya makapag-perform dito, makuha `yung confidence level niya sa PBA On Tour. And ginagawa naman niya, kaya I'm happy for him."
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Northport's final two outings will be against Rain or Shine on July 19 and Converge on the 28th. (RG)
