ARVIN Tolentino welcomed the addition of Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter to Northport Batang Pier as their wealth of experience will certainly help the team's bid moving forward in the PBA Governors' Cup.
He sees both Jalalon and Tratter as huge complements to the Batang Pier's young, talented core.
"I'm excited to see kung anuman meron ang team namin. Our lineup is now a mix of veteran and young players compared to last year. Last season kasi puro bata kami," said Tolentino.
Jalalon and Tratter came in as part of the trade deal with Magnolia in exchange for sophomore big man Zavier Lucero.
Behind a young, athletic group, the Batang Pier made heads turn last season behind their fast-paced game, sizzling outside shooting, and some exciting, above-the-rim plays anchored on Tolentino.
Sponsored content: They were perceived as a team on the rise except that they couldn't sustain their game on a night in, night out basis.
Northport did make the playoffs during the Commissioner's Cup, but missed advancing past the group stage of the Philippine Cup when it lost out to Terrafirma in the playoff battle for the no. 8 spot.
"We are hungry. Those guys are great, they gave out their best, but medyo na-short change kami because of experience," pointed out the 28-year-old Tolentino, who was named part of the Mythical First Team of Season 48.
But with Jalalon and Tratter coming in, he sees a change in the atmosphere for the Batang Pier.
"We have a few guys coming in who have championship experience, who have been in the league for so long. And that would help us going forward," said Tolentino.
Sponsored content: So far, Northport has an even 1-1 slate in Group A, losing its first outing against TNT, 101-95, but bounced back in a big way with a 112-93 rout of Terrafirma in its next game. (RG)
