Globalport to work on closers

MANILA, Philippines - Globalport governor Erick Arejola said yesterday the Batang Pier would’ve come closer to achieving its goal of qualifying for the semifinals in the PBA Philippine Cup if only the team finished stronger in games that could’ve gone either way.

Globalport ended the eliminations in eighth place with a 5-6 record then bowed out of contention after losing to Barangay Ginebra, 95-78, in the first stage of the quarterfinals. The Batang Pier was in a twice-to-win disadvantage against Ginebra and had to beat the Barangay two in a row to advance to the next stage.

Of Globalport’s six losses in the eliminations, four were by six points or less. The heartbreakers were the defeats to NLEX by five, Purefoods by six, Rain Or Shine by three and Alaska by three. During the conference, assistant coach Eric Gonzales took over the helm from Pido Jarencio who was appointed consultant. Jarencio has a live contract up to August and will remain as consultant. Gonzales is still the head coach on an interim basis.

Arejola said he has asked team manager B. J. Manalo to submit a list of coaches available. “Right now, Eric is our head coach,” said Arejola. “We’re looking at who’s available in case we want to make a change. But if we won’t make any change, we’re going with Eric for the second conference.”

Arejola said Globalport was about to sign up 6-9, 275-pound Derrick Caracter as its import for the Commissioner’s Cup starting Jan. 27 but the former Los Angeles Laker opted out in the end. “We were ready to bring in Caracter,” said Arejola. “But at the last minute, he decided to sign somewhere else. We’re evaluating candidates at the moment.”

Caracter, 26, was the Lakers’ second round draft pick in 2010 and played 41 games with Los Angeles in 2010-11. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in three US collegiate seasons with the University of Louisville and the University of Texas at El Paso. Caracter has played as an import in Israel, Lithuania, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Greece.

Looking forward, Arejola said he was encouraged by the performance of the team’s young guns in the Philippine Cup. He cited the positive contributions of Stanley Pringle, Terrence Romeo and Anthony Semerad. Pringle, a rookie, scored in double figures in 11 of 12 games. Romeo registered five games with at least 20 points and had two outings where he hit at least 30. Semerad tallied 16 in Globalport’s 87-72 win over Blackwater and 12 in the 84-79 decision over Kia.

“We’re expecting a lot more from Stanley, Terrence and Anthony,” he said. “We want Stanley to take charge in the fourth quarter and lead us to win close games. We want Terrence to be more consistent offensively and to improve on his defense. Anthony’s a fighter and he was a surprise performer for us in the conference. The biggest positive was how our young players contributed.”

Arejola said if only Globalport won the games that could’ve gone either way, it would’ve been a different scenario in the Philippine Cup for the Batang Pier. Team owner Mikee Romero set a goal of qualifying for the semifinals before the conference started and Globalport fell short. “We’re meeting with Boss Mikee on Tuesday to evaluate our performance in the Philippine Cup and lay down our goals for the next conference,” said Arejola. “I’m sure he was disappointed that we didn’t make it to the semifinals.”

If Globalport won at least two of the four close losses in the eliminations, the Batang Pier would’ve ended the eliminations with a 7-4 record and entered the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage instead of a twice-to-win disadvantage.

As for newly reacquired Sol Mercado, Arejola said he hopes to work out a bright future for the crack guard. “We want Sol to fit in with our team,” he said. “Let’s see where his heart is. We want to do what’s best for Sol’s career.” Mercado rejoined Globalport in the Alex Cabagnot trade just before the start of the playoffs and compiled nine points, four rebounds and three assists in his return game with the Batang Pier against Ginebra.

Arejola said it’s not true that Pringle will be traded to Ginebra for L. A. Tenorio. “I read about it in the internet and I was surprised,” he said. “Ginebra hasn’t talked to us. Nobody has talked to us. There’s nothing being negotiated. Not even media has checked with us for confirmation.”

On roster movements, Arejola said rookie Roider Cabrera’s one-conference contract has expired and management will reassess his situation regarding a possible renewal. Rookies Nard Pinto and Prince Caperal are signed to one-season contracts. Veteran Jojo Duncil is on the reserve list.

Globalport is on its third PBA season. In its first year, the Batang Pier posted a 7-30 record then a 7-25 mark in its second. Globalport matched its highest number of wins in a conference in the Philippine Cup with five victories. The team has qualified for the quarterfinals with a twice-to-win disadvantage thrice and was eliminated in the first game in each tie. Globalport resumed practice at the Moro Lorenzo Gym yesterday afternoon.