Pido Jarencio returns for the Batang Pier. PBA Images (file photo) |
MANILA--Despite getting cleared to play again last week, NorthPort dearly missed its head coach, Pido Jarencio, as he was kept isolated after contracting COVID-19.
On Wednesday, he is coming back.
Jarencio has been cleared to coach again for the Batang Pier as they take on the TNT Tropang Giga in the first game of the PBA Philippine Cup doubleheader at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The league announced on its website on Tuesday that Jarencio will be returning to the NorthPort coaching helm after giving way to Team Manager Bonnie Tan last week.
"Ang gandang welcome back sa akin, TNT agad," Jarencio said in jest ahead of their 3 p.m. encounter.
Both teams are on a roll right now.
The Batang Pier are currently on a three-game winning streak after sweeping their assignments last week which came in a span of four nights that put them in sixth place at 4-3.
But up next for them are the Tropang Giga, who have the best record so far at 8-1, winning back-to-back games after the San Miguel Beermen handed them their first loss.
TNT is looking to lock in one of the top two spots after the elimination round, which would hand the team a once-to-advance advantage in the quarterfinals.
This makes the game too tough for Jarencio and company.
"Mabigat ang TNT, pero basta magtuloy-tuloy lang magandang laro ng mga bata mas gaganda chances namin," he further said.
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