ARVIN Tolentino confirmed he has offers to play overseas, but insisted he remains open to staying in the PBA by re-signing with NorthPort.
Tolentino said he is in talks with the Batang Pier for a new deal for next season. His previous contract has already lapsed at the end of April but was automatically extended for the rest of the season under a new PBA rule concerning contracts that expire while the tournament is ongoing.
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The 29-year-old Tolentino said NorthPort said he has informed NorthPort coaches and officials about the overseas offers.
“I’m still in talks with my team, NorthPort. Nothing final yet. We are in good terms. Actually, very supportive sila coach Bonnie [Tam], Boss Erick Arejola, coach Pido [Jarencio]. Inopen ko sa kanila.
"They are very supportive and I appreciate that from them. But for now, nothing final yet. I’m still with the team,” said Tolentino on Friday following NorthPort’s 105-104 loss to Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup.
“That’s actually what we are talking about right now, me and the management. Inaayos namin. We are talking. We are still in talks,” said Tolentino, referring to negotiations between him and NorthPort for next season.
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The Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference, an automatic candidate for the yearend MVP award, admitted he is open to all possibilities – playing overseas and staying home – which is why it is going to be a difficult decision.
“I’m looking at everything, to be honest. Siyempre, bihira lang ‘yung opportunity to play overseas. At the same time, meron pa dito sa PBA with NorthPort,” said Tolentino.
“Very open. That’s actually my priority,” said Tolentino on staying in the PBA and NorthPort. “Of course, eto pa rin ‘yung dream ko. Sa PBA. I feel like I’m in good hands with NorthPort, with my coaches and the management. I’m comfortable with the situation.
“I still want to play [for NorthPort]. Medyo mahirap nga lang mag-decide,” said Tolentino.
While he is thinking about his options, Tolentino said he is also focusing on his recovery after he missed his third game of the conference due to a hip flexor injury.
“May something pa rin. I don’t want to risk [it] kasi very fragile ‘yung area kung saan ‘yung pain ko. Gusto ko 100 percent ako before maglaro uli kaya I’m missing a lot of games,” said Tolentino.
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