The success of the NorthPort Batang Pier in Commissioner's Cup

Many are wondering if the success of NorthPort Batang Pier in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup is for real, as they now lead the league with a 7-1 win-loss record in the team standings and have possibly entered the playoffs already.

NorthPort began their journey in the mid-season conference with a tremendous 114-87 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors, followed by an 113-101 win against the Terrafirma Dyip, then put a statement 107-103 triumph versus the Magnolia Hotshots, they also had a 100-95 success over the recent Governors’ Cup champions TNT Tropang Giga, and conquered their fifth straight with a 108-101 achievement against the Converge FiberXers.

But the Batang Pier fell to the former winless Phoenix Fuel Masters, 109-115, in their December 17 duel.

After that setback, NorthPort once again rose on top and showed that they were for real when they surprised the guest team, Hong Kong Eastern, with a 120-113 mastery of the game.

The latest victory of the Batang Pier was the one that confirmed that they were no longer a pushover team when the crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra tested their character.

NorthPort had a narrow 119-116 win versus the Gin Kings. But before getting the victory, the Batang Pier was put under surveillance as Ginebra erased an 18-point lead to get closer in the dying seconds and even had a chance to steal the game. The good thing for the Batang Pier, they showed their poise in the end game and showed that they really wanted to battle as a playoff contender.

It was also a sweet triumph for them as they also broke their slump against the Gin Kings, whom they haven’t beaten since December 14, 2019.

What could possibly be the reasons why the NorthPort Batang Pier is having success now? Let us assess it now.

The first factor is Kadeem Jack. Since he came on board, NorthPort has never been the same.

Jack averaged more than 30 points per game with high field goal shooting of more than 60 percent inside the paint.

In their last game, Jack poured in 32 points, shot 15-of-22 from the field, and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Batang Pier to victory.

The second reason is Arvin Tolentino. He is playing like an MVP this conference.

Tolentino is leading the locals in terms of scoring, averaging 24.7 points per game, to go along with 8.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks. With these numbers, he had 40.8 statistical points to rank second in the Best Player of the Conference race behind eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo’s 44.8 SP.

The third reason is the resurgence of Joshua Munzon. With the way he is playing right now, he might be the front-runner to win the Most Improved Player award at the end of the season.

In their recent win, Munzon fired up 27 markers, dished off six assists, grabbed two boards, and stole the ball twice to be named as the Best Player of the Game.

Even the PBA's winningest coach took notice of their game.

“NorthPort is for real. They played really well,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone after they were beaten by the Batang Pier.

“They gave our defense fits all game. And just that, they are for real. We had problems stopping them. Munzon and Arvin [they] are both playing at an MVP level, and their import is a great fit,” he added.

Another reason that can be included is the supporting cast of William Navarro, Fran Yu, Evan Nelle, Sidney Onwubere, Allyn Bulanadi, Abu Tratter, Damie Cuntapay, Cade Flores and Jio Jalalon.

Finally, one of the main reasons is Coach Bonnie Tan.

When Tan took over the reins as the head coach of the team, he had a roller-coaster ride, but he’s a coach who also took risks, gave second chances to players, and right now brought good chemistry to the team that he’s handling.

"We challenged our players in tonight's game, it's a statement game for us," said Tan about their victory against the Gin Kings. "Everyone is questioning our status because we don't win against big teams."

NorthPort can prove again that they belong to the league as they face tough opponents in their next three games before concluding the elimination round against the struggling Blackwater Bossing on January 25.

The Batang Pier will battle the Meralco Bolts on January 14, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on January 16, and the mighty San Miguel Beermen on January 21.

If the NorthPort Batang Pier continue their winning ways in their final games before the playoffs begin, they will not just be for real, but they could also be tagged as a new title-contender.