Pido Jarencio said NorthPort has “nowhere to go but up” from a dismal campaign last season after acquiring promising talents in the PBA Draft.

NorthPort bolstered its frontline unit by taking athletic forward Jamie Malonzo with the No. 2 pick and big man Troy Rike with the No. 11 selection in the annual rookie draft.

Coming off a one-win campaign in the previous Philippine Cup, NorthPort is expected to have a significantly better stint with Malonzo and Rike on board and Robert Bolick and Sean Anthony returning from injury.

“I guess we have nowhere to go but up,” Jarencio told Rappler in a mix of Filipino and English.

NorthPort made no surprises by picking the 6-foot-3 Malonzo, who Jarencio says will be an ideal complement for big man Greg Slaughter.

In his lone UAAP season with La Salle, the high-flying Malonzo earned a spot in the Mythical Team with averages of 15.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals.

“We really wanted to pick him because of his athleticism. He can play the 3, 4, and 5 positions. He can also defend the 3, 4, and 5 positions,” Jarencio said about Malonzo.

“We’re a run and gun team. He runs the floor so he will complement the team, especially Greg.”

In the case of Rike, Jarencio said NorthPort could not pass up on drafting the 6-foot-8 forward.

After a one-and-done season with the National University in the UAAP, Rike polished his game in the 3×3 scene, where he is currently ranked as the No. 6 player in the country.

“If there is a 6’8 guy, wouldn’t you get him? He was available and he plays the right way. At least we have a backup for Greg,” Jarencio said about Rike.

Aside from Malonzo and Rike, NorthPort also selected Mark Olayon (No. 24), Marvin Moraga (No. 37), Carl Bryan Ravanes (No. 47), Seraj Elmejrab (No. 55), Jonico Rosales (No. 59), and Jed Mendoza (No. 61). – Rappler.com