NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio finally breathed a sigh of relief as the Batang Pier are winless no more in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, following their 107-96 conquest of Terrafirma Dyip, Saturday.
“‘Yung mga bata gusto lang talagang manalo, ayaw na nila mag-0-5. Maraming nag-step up,” he said.
“Maraming nag-step up like Kelly [Nabong], Renzo Subido. Maganda ‘yun. This is a breakout game for us.”
Jarencio couldn’t feel happier with the triumph, since the Batang Pier have been playing undermanned thanks to several injuries.
Versus the Dyip, NorthPort only had 11 players, as star forward Sean Anthony sat out due to a right hamstring injury.
This season has been challenging for the franchise. Still, Jarencio feels thankful to have the support of those close to him.
His ‘Super Friends,’ in particular.
Yes, the group of friends behind Letran head coach — and NorthPort team manager — Bonnie Tan during the NCAA 95 Finals last year, where the Knights ended the three-year reign of San Beda.
Those super friends also have SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua; Northport assistant coach Jeff Napa and governor Erick Arejola; Dyip governor Bobby Rosales and head coach Johnedel Cardel; and Magnolia governor Rene Pardo.
“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa management. Kay Boss Erick, Boss Bonnie, kay Boss Waiyip [Chong], tsaka sa mga Super Friends ko na kinakausap ako na kaya ‘yan. They keep on supporting me, walang negative.
“Basta sabi lang nila, ‘Kaya ‘yan, talagang ganyan e, ‘yung sitwasyon niyo’. Pero sige lang, laban lang. Pagka nanalo kayo niyan, gaganda na takbo natin, sabi nila. I’m so thankful sa kanila,” he shared.
