The ship has sailed for Arvin Tolentino.
Arvin Tolentino takes act to Korea, signs with Seoul SK Knights
At A Glance
- Tolentino, whose negotiations for a possible contract extension with the Batang Pier seemed to have fell through, is set to become the Knights' Asian quota import after the team released its previous import and Filipino guard Juan Gomez De Liano.
That, after the 29-year-old forward has officially parted ways with NorthPort and is now set to take his act to the Korean Basketball League after signing with the Seoul SK Knights, the team announced on Friday, May 30.
Tolentino, whose negotiations for a possible contract extension with the Batang Pier seemed to have fallen through, is set to become the Knights’ Asian quota import after the team released its previous import and Filipino guard Juan Gomez De Liano.
Tolentino's decision marked the end of his almost three-year stint with the Batang Pier that saw him develop into one of the league's bonafide superstars.
He steered NorthPort to its franchise’s second semifinals appearance in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, allowing him to also earn his very first Best Player of the Conference award after averaging 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
Tolentino still played two games for NorthPort in the ongoing Philippine Cup and averaged 17.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists before getting sidelined by an injury.
The veteran forward’s departure is seen as a blow for NorthPort which has recently dealt forward William Navarro to Magnolia in exchange of Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Balanza.
With his move, Tolentino is joining other Filipino players in Korea in the likes of Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo.