Robert Bolick and the NorthPort Batang Pier offered their 98-73 victory over the Blackwater Bossing on Thursday, September 9 to head coach Pido Jarencio and the rest of his coaching staff, who tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the start of the PBA Philippine Cup resumption in Pampanga.
With Jarencio and the coaching staff in their minds, the Batang Pier, who were led by team manager Bonnie Tan on the sidelines, hardly looked like they missed a beat in their return to action as they crushed the winless Bossing by 25 points to improve to 2-3 in the standings.
“Yung game na ito, sabi nga ni coach Bonnie, ibibigay namin sa mga coaches namin kasi kahit malayo kami, nandiyan pa rin sila. Tumatawag sa Zoom, [nagbibigay ng] instructions,” said Bolick.
(Coach Bonnie told us that we’re going to dedicate this game to our coaches because even if we’re far from each other, they’re still there for us. Calling on Zoom, giving instructions.)
Bolick, who finished with a near triple-double of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, admitted that the team also wanted to give the 57-year-old Jarencio less to worry about as his health should be his top priority at this point.
“Ngayon, gusto lang namin wag muna mag-isip si coach Pido sa mga games namin kasi nandito naman si coach Bonnie,” he said.
(Right now, we just want coach Pido to not think about our games first since coach Bonnie is already stepping in.)
“Focus muna siya sa health niya. Iyon ang pinakaimportante eh. For sure, pag okay na siya, magiging kumpleto rin kami and iyon ang iniintay din namin,”
(He should focus on his health. That’s what’s important. For sure, when he recovers, we would be complete again and that’s what we’re waiting for.)
In the end, Bolick noted it’s a morale-boosting win for the Batang Pier, saying all their sacrifices paid off after they were put under the league’s health and safety protocols.
“Hindi kami pumunta rito para magpatalo lang. Lahat ng sakripisyo namin dito, for sure ito yung bawi,” said Bolick.
(We didn’t come here just to lose. All of our sacrifices, for sure, have paid off.)
“Yung mga ganitong klaseng laro, nakakaboost ng morale pag-uwi sa tinitirahan namin. At least masaya kami doon,” he added.
(These kinds of games boost our morale when we get home. At least we’re happy with that.) – Rappler.com
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