PBA: Jio Jalalon expected to spell difference for NorthPort Batang Pier in season-opening Governors’ Cup

NorthPort fans felt giddy about the future of the franchise when erstwhile Batang Pier rookie Zavier Lucero finally joined the team in the Philippine Cup.

The athletic big, paired with the young core led by Arvin Tolentino, JM Calma, and William Navarro, made what could be a versatile, lethal lineup.

But that proved shortlived after Lucero was traded to Magnolia and Calma suffered an ACL injury last April and is likely to miss the season-opening Governors’ Cup.

Nonetheless, the Batang Pier remain a pretty strong crew after they got Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter in the Lucero trade.

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Here’s how NorthPort looks for the upcoming season:

Holdovers:

• Paolo Taha
• JM Calma
• Fran Yu
• Allyn Bulanadi
• Paul Zamar
• Arvin Tolentino
• John Amores
• Cade Flores
• William Navarro
• Joshua Munzon
• Damie Cuntapay

New guys:

• Sidney Onwubere
• Abu Tratter
• Evan Nelle
• Jio Jalalon

Import:

• Taylor Johns

 Outlook:

There is an abundance in guards for the Batang Pier.

But with a proven winner in Jalalon to guide the relatively youthful group that also features rookie guard Nelle, it is hoped the team will fare better in the import-spiced conference.

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