NorthPort makes waves

In 30 conferences since joining the PBA in 2012-13, NorthPort has advanced to two semifinals but never made it to the Last Dance. With 17 playoff appearances, it’s not as if the Batang Pier is a perennial outsider to the post-conference party. Bonnie Tan is the eighth coach to ride the NorthPort bench after Glenn Capacio, Junel Baculi, Richie Ticzon, Pido Jarencio, Eric Gonzales, Johnedel Cardel and Franz Pumaren and he’s piloted the team to a 4-0 start this Commissioner’s Cup.

NorthPort’s average winning margin is 12 points and its 27-point shellacking of NLEX to open the conference was an eye-popper. Tan’s charges are No. 2 in the league in offense (108.5 points) and defense (96.5), indicating a balanced effort on both ends. So far, they’ve brought down elite contenders Magnolia and TNT with Converge their next assignment at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium tomorrow.

The ability to wreak havoc makes NorthPort a dangerous proposition. The team is No. 1 in opponents’ turnovers (20), turnover points (18), steals (12.3) and fastbreak points (21.8). Joshua Munzon and William Navarro top the league in average steals at 2.3 an outing with Fran Yu not far behind at 2.0. NorthPort is also No. 2 in average assists (23.3) and No. 1 in field goal percentage allowed (.405).

Here are other factors why NorthPort is winning. Tan has interchangeable point guards who relieve each other without compromising continuity. Yu and Evan Nelle are averaging a combined 17.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 11.8 assists. Import Kadeem Jack plays his role to the hilt. He’s averaging 28.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. Jack the Ripper is a big reason why NorthPort is No. 1 in paint points allowed (36). He’s an inside operator and selective in taking shots from deep (none from four and 4-of-8 from three). Jack complements his teammates and the chemistry is a strong formula.

Another factor is Navarro’s contribution off the bench. He’s Tan’s designated sixth man, averaging 8.3 points and seven rebounds. Then, there’s Arvin Tolentino who’s hitting at a lofty 23.5 clip, norming 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He’s the go-to guy when NorthPort needs a basket. Finally, Munzon has come into his own. He was the first overall draft pick in 2020 and is averaging a career-high 17.3 points this conference. Munzon’s hitting .429 from four and .364 from three, displaying an incredible range. With starters averaging a league-high 80 points (even as Damie Cuntapay is hitting at a 1.8 clip) and four players logging at least 30 minutes a game, the bench isn’t able to contribute too much but relievers Allyn Bulanadi, Sidney Onwubere, Cade Flores, Abu Tratter, Paolo Taha and Agem Miranda provide depth. Moving forward, Tan expects bigger things to come when Jio Jalalon and JM Calma recover from injuries.