NorthPort veteran Sean Anthony is embracing the leadership role and gave credit to the team effort they have been showing in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup bubble at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.
NorthPort has been marred with problems concerning COVID-19 after head coach Pido Jarencio and most of the coaching staff tested positive for the coronavirus over the week.
Team manager Bonnie Tan stepped up to call the shots for the Batang Pier but Anthony lauded his teammates for doubling their efforts despite the absence of their coaches.
"It's actually a really interesting week. Our coaching staff had to leave the bubble because of COVID protocol and that left us just us players to coach ourselves for the first little while," said the Filipino-Canadian cager during the #UnderTheArmour webinar.
"So as team captain as well us our co-captain, leader Kevin , we just communicate with the coaches and just kinda told everyone to step up individually as professionals and be our own coach of ourselves and be leaders and to not let anything drop."
NorthPort's current situation may have put them in a difficult position but Anthony said it gave more opportunity for the players to excel, especially after a stellar performance from rookie Jamie Malonzo en route to a 104-84 win against the Terrafirma Dyip for a back-to-back victory.
Malonzo, against Terrafirma, put on a slam dunk show with 14 points, six rebounds, and one assist, Robert Bolick scored 15 points with eight assists and six rebounds, and Garvo Lanete led with 18 points, four rebounds, and an assist.
"We've just been very communicative. Like we're always on the same page like communicating and collaborating on how were you gonna do things and it's been good so far," added Anthony.
It is still uncertain when will Jarencio and the rest of the coaching staff will return as they are still under quarantine as part of the PBA's COVID-19 protocols.
The Batang Pier, who has a 3-3 record, will be facing the NLEX Road Warriors at 7 p.m. later, Sept. 12. (Carlo Anolin) ###