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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider NorthPort eyes winning start in Navarro's return, Lucero's debut

NorthPort eyes winning start in Navarro's return, Lucero's debut

Published Mar 1, 2024 12:55 am

At A Glance

  • NorthPort is beginning the 2024 Philippine Cup with high hopes that it can finally showcase its full potential as it welcomes two key pieces to its lineup against NLEX on Friday, March 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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NorthPort is beginning the 2024 Philippine Cup with high hopes that it can finally showcase its full potential as it welcomes two key pieces to its lineup against NLEX on Friday, March 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

 

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Zav Lucero is set to make his debut for NorthPort (UAAP Media)

 

The Batang Pier will have the returning Wil Navarro and highly-touted rookie pick Zav Lucero to join star forward Arvin Tolentino as they gun for a winning start in the all-Filipino conference against the Road Warriors in the 7:30 p.m. affair.

Setting up the stage to that interesting showdown is the equally intriguing collision between Converge and Terrafirma in the curtain raiser at 4:30 p.m.

Although not much is expected from the two since they will be playing their first game back since recovering from their respective ACL injuries, Navarro and Lucero’s return are certainly a welcome sight for NorthPort which was coming off a quarterfinals appearance last conference.

Navarro has already shown what he can do for NorthPort when he’s healthy after averaging 14.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists before going down with the injury. Lucero, on the other hand, is a UAAP Season 84 Mythical Team member.

All eyes, however, will still be on the league’s current top scorer in Tolentino along with his able supporting cast in the likes of Joshua Munzon, Paul Zamar and rookies Cade Flores and Fran Yu.

NLEX, though, is certainly no pushover with Robert Bolick finally getting enough buildup with the team after joining the Road Warriors in the latter part of the eliminations last conference. The team also added some new pieces in heady playmaker Baser Amer and blue-collar workhorse Ato Ular.

Meanwhile in the opening game, the cellar dwellers of the last conference hope for a winning start in the all-Filipino.

The Dyip finished with a 2-9 record at the 10th spot while the FiberXers wound up at the 11th with a 1-10 slate. 

Expected to lead the charge for Terrafirma is Juami Tiongson along with Javi Gomez De Liano and top rookie pick Stephen Holt. Standing on the Dyip’s way though are Justin Arana along with Deschon Winston, Alec Stockton and Jerrick Balanza.

 

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