As the no. 1 seed, the NorthPort Batang Pier are determined to capitalize on their historic conference and chase their first-ever PBA championship in the Commissioner's Cup.
The NorthPort Batang Pier are making history as they enter the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals as the top seed for the first time.
A combination of rising stars, veteran experience, and import dominance has fueled their 10-3 run in the elimination round and one-game quarterfinals win to advance, putting them in prime position to chase their first-ever PBA championship.
Here’s a look at the key players behind NorthPort’s rise:
Arvin Tolentino
Already a two-time PBA champion as a former Ginebra backup, Tolentino has become the face of NorthPort, leading the locals with his scoring versatility. He arrived in a trade with the Gin Kings in 2022, the one that involved Jamie Malonzo, and has since flourished into one of the league’s top offensive threats.
Kadeem Jack
A G-League regular, Jack has provided NorthPort with a strong inside presence, delivering elite rebounding, rim protection, and scoring in the paint. In his first foray in the PBA, Jack is on track to be Best Import, which would make him the first import in franchise history to do so.
Joshua Munzon
After a challenging stint in Terrafirma even as a no. 1 pick, Munzon has found a home with NorthPort, offering a scoring punch and defensive versatility since being acquired in a 2023 trade.
Will Navarro
Navarro has emerged as a key two-way player, bringing size, defense, and energy to NorthPort’s frontline after being full recovered from an ACL injury. NorthPort’s Gilas draft selection and in the same class as Munzon, the Batang Pier have quite the wing rotation with Navarro on deck.
Evan Nelle
The 14th overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft, Nelle has provided steady playmaking and outside shooting, proving to be a valuable floor general off the bench.
Fran Yu
Yu, a former NCAA Finals MVP, was selected 40th overall in 2023 but has shown he belongs in the PBA, bringing defensive intensity in the NorthPort backcourt.
Allyn Bulanadi
Another former Gilas special draft pick, Bulanadi arrived in a trade from San Miguel in 2023 and has added instant offense to the NorthPort arsenal.
Sidney Onwubere
Onwubere, in his second stint with NorthPort, brings additional veteran inside presence for the Batang Pier.
Paolo Taha
The longest-tenured Batang Pier player, Taha has been with NorthPort since 2018. Taha, originally a Kia pick in 2014, actually also spent his initial PBA years with the Batang Pier back when the team was still known as Globalport.
Cade Flores
A former NCAA Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Flores was drafted 11th overall in 2023 and has made his mark as a versatile defender and rebounder.
Damie Cuntapay
Initially drafted by Terrafirma but left unsigned, Cuntapay joined NorthPort as a free agent and has provided valuable minutes as a hustle player.
Agem Miranda
Selected 29th overall in the 2024 PBA Draft, Miranda has brought additional depth to the Batang Pier’s backcourt rotation.
Abu Tratter
A veteran big man, Tratter joined NorthPort in 2024 via a trade with Magnolia, giving the team more size and toughness in the paint.
Jio Jalalon
A one-time PBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year, Jalalon was a key piece in the Magnolia trade that also involved Tratter. With the Batang Pier, Jalalon brings elite perimeter defense and playmaking as one of the team’s top guards.
As the no. 1 seed, NorthPort certainly has the tools to make a deep playoff run. With a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, the Batang Pier are determined to capitalize on their historic conference and chase their first-ever PBA championship.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]