MAKE no mistake about it, GlobalPort is enjoying every bit of its “success” in the 2015-16 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
After four years of heartbreaks and continuous build-up to get better, the Batang Pier finally broke through with its first-ever semifinal appearance as a franchise in the PBA.
Still on cloud nine with this achievement, GlobalPort is certainly cherishing its success so far this season before it goes full blast once more in its best-of-seven semifinal war against Alaska starting tomorrow.
Batang Pier head coach Pido Jarencio, who is also in his first semifinal appearance as a PBA coach, has nothing but praise for his team.
‘’Credit talaga sa boys. Deserve nila makapunta sa semis,’’ said Jarencio. ‘’Deserving ang mga players for this achievement. This is a good team.’’
Jarencio then went on to say that the first time is indeed a sweet feeling for the Batang Pier.
‘’We’re enjoying the win and this trip to the semifinals,’’ said Jarencio. ‘’Nagtulong-tulong kami to get this. Sana tuloy-tuloy ito.’’
GlobalPort spitfire star Terrence Romeo agrees.
‘’Sobrang sarap ng pakiramdam. Nagbunga talaga ang hard work namin,’’ said Romeo.
It was not an easy semifinal route for GlobalPort.
Following its disposal of Barako Bull in the First Phase of the quarterfinals, the Batang Pier needed a game-tying basket at the end of regulation, an extra session and a favorable break in the dying seconds against Barangay Ginebra before taking a thrilling battle in Phase Two to formalize its first-ever entry to the semis.
Superstars like two-time reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood, among others, are constant faces in the semis, but the two most anticipated debuts in this stage are those of young superstars Romeo and Stanley Pringle.
Arguably the league’s best 1-2 punch, the prolific backcourt pair of Romeo and Pringle have soared to new heights this conference as they are showing the entire league that they are for real by continuously lifting the Batang Pier, who heavily relies on their leadership and heads-up play.
The Aces, starring Calvin Abueva, will have their hands full trying to stop the PBA’s version of the “Splash Brothers.”
‘’Big credit din talaga to Terrence (Rome) and Stanley (Pringle). Wala kaming masabi sa kanila. They’ve been leading and carrying the team and I hope their heads-up play continues against Alaska, which is a dangerous team.’’
GlobalPort maybe the semifinal round’s newest kid on the block, but you can bet these hungry first-timers won’t be satisfied with what they have achieved so far.