Tolentino was all over the court in Sunday’s win against Terrafirma.
Arvin Tolentino is quickly emerging as the next franchise player for the NorthPort Batang Pier.
It was more evident on Sunday as Tolentino scored seven of his total scoring output inside the final two minutes to steer the Batang Pier to a thrilling 104-100 win over Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA On Tour.
Tolentino finished with 28 points to go with 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks for the Batang Pier, whose former star player in Robert Bolick signed with Fukishima Firebonds in the Japan B.League.
When asked whether Tolentino could be the next face of the franchise, coach Bonnie Tan didin’t seem convinced yet.
“Sa ngayon, we’re still looking for a consistent na scorer,” Tan said after the match at the Ynares Sports Arena.
But Tan was quick to add that he has what it takes to be that guy for the Batang Pier, who are 4-4 in the preseason tourney. After all, Tolentino has normed team-high 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2 blocks in five games.
“But again, Arvin is a potential player na can replace 'yung spot na iniwan ni Robert,” he said.
This doesn’t mean they are going to heavily rely on the Gilas Pilipinas mainstay on offense, though. The concurrent UST Growling Tigers consultant urged other players to step up as well.
“We’re challenging also other players ng buong team na mag-step up din sa offense and don’t rely sa one to two players lang,” he said.
(GM)