Northport is in danger of having a depleted backcourt when the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup resumes on February 11.
Besides Robert Bolick and Greg Slaughter, Nico Elorde has yet to sign an extension with the Batang Pier.
The trio has yet to train with Northport since their contracts expired last February 1, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.
Elorde even hinted on Twitter about it.
I’m confident because I know my worth. I know God is on my side in the decisions that I make🙏
— Nico Elorde (@NicoElorde) February 4, 2022
Elorde, a close friend of Slaughter, is technically still a restricted free agent as he was drafted in the 2015 draft. He was picked by Alaska as the 32nd overall pick in that class.
The 30-year-old floor general out of Paranaque City played four games for the Batang Pier in the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup.
In a dilemma is Northport as it might just have nine players when it takes on Rain or Shine on February 12.
Paolo Taha, who just inked a three-year extension with Northport recently, will lead the backcourt. Joining him are Arwind Santos, Kevin Ferrer, Jonathan Grey, Jamie Malonzo, Troy Rike, Jerrick Balanza, and import Jamel Artis.
LA Revilla cannot be called up from their 3×3 team as league rules state that PBA 3×3 players should play the entire season before they can be signed by 5-on-5 teams. This is the same case as Cavitex’s Larry Fonacier and Purefoods’ Joseph Eriobu as they were supposed to go up to NLEX and Magnolia, respectively.
It is unknown whether the rule will also be applied to Clint Doliguez and Renzo Subido as both have yet to play a 3×3 game for Northport.