NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio is glad about the growth Prince Ibeh has been exhibiting in his second tour of duty in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The veteran mentor lauded the 6-foot-10 center’s improved offense, which was in full display in the Batang Pier’s 87-83 win over Blackwater Wednesday,
There, he tied his career-high 19 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field, helping his side to a fourth-quarter rally to come back from an eight-point deficit. He also finished with 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
“Mula nung dumating yan, sabi ko nagiging two-way ito. Not just on defense, pati offense,” said Jarencio of his import, who’s now averaging 19.0 points and 14.75 rebounds per outing in the mid-season conference.
What the cager-turned-shot-caller also appreciates is how Ibeh naturally produces his scoring, never forcing things to come his way.
“At the same time, makikita mo na ‘di niya kinukuha yung bola kundi ‘yung 19 points niya, either pinasa sa kanya or pinagtrabahuhan niyang nirebound niya, which is exactly yung gusto namin sa kanya,” he said.
“Hindi ‘yung kukuha, give me the ball, tapos one-on-one. Wala naman siyang ganun. Kaya okay kami,” he continued.
Since noticing that development, Jarencio has also been doing as much in aiding Ibeh the best that he can to further hone his skills.
After all, the University of Texas’ progress will be of great help for NorthPort, who improved to 3-2 in the standings following Wednesday’s win.
“Talagang he is working on his offense,” he said. “Maski nga kaming dalawa, nagdi-drill kaming dalawa — binibigyan ko siya ng drill, ako nagpapasa ng bola just to work on his moves. Mga post moves, shots.
“Kahit papano, natimingan, nabibigyan ng bola ng mga locals. Importante yung mga locals mapasahan siya kasi sila pa rin naman ang magbibigay ng bola sa kanya. This is positive for us,” added Jarencio.
