CHICAGO - There is a medical anomaly going on at NorthPort Batang Pier.
Their best player, Arvin Tolentino, is diagnosed with what's called a hip flexor injury and then the entire team appears to be suffering from competitive paralysis.
Since starting this ongoing Philippine Cup with a yawning 97-75 dismantling of listless Terrafirma last April 22, NorthPort has lost five games in a row including tonight's 111-92 beatdown at the hands of Converge.
READ Arvin confirms overseas offers, but open to staying at NorthPort
What a difference a conference makes for the Batang Pier who made the semifinals in the Commissioner's Cup and couldn't even beat Blackwater in this all-Filipino derby where the Bossing slapped them around, 120-98, last April 25.
Because of a bum hip, Tolentino has suited up only twice this conference, averaging 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals an outing.
Obviously, he is missed.
Without Tolentino, NorthPort is dangerously becoming a clone of Blackwater and Terrafirma. But hey, misery loves company, which is odd because misery and love should never belong in the same sentence.
BUT I DIGRESS.
The real Tolentino problem, I think, doesn't seem to be a specific body part. The issue is contract-related.
Which brings me to my point. Why on earth is NorthPort unable to come into contract terms with its best player other than an automatic extension through the end of the season?
Well, I also have a theory. The Batang Pier simply can't afford the services of a two-time All-Star and two-time PBA champion who is at the peak of his powers at age 29 and has so marvelously overperformed his last contract.
So all of these "both sides are in talks" narrative is just posturing.
Unless he gets traded to an SMC or MVP Group team, Tolentino won't get the kind of money he deserves.
WHAT EXACTLY IS HE WORTH?
A Taiwan-based Fiba-certified agent told me Friday night that the 6-foot-5, 210-lb former Ateneo and FEU star can easily fetch between $15,000 to $20,000 a month in Korea plus a bit more if he goes to Japan.
If the dollar signs are tempting him, Tolentino is not hiding it.
"I'm looking at everything to be honest. Siyempre, bihira lang yung opportunity to play overseas," he told Reuben Terrado of SPIN.ph.
Beginning next season, the market for Filipino Asian imports in Japan is expected to die down when the B.League will begin allowing Lebanese players to play as Asian imports. Also those from Mongolia and India.
The window to avail of those high-salaries and generous perks such as a free use of a car, rent-free condos and exquisite dining is closing. Might not be a bad idea to gobble up the free-99 goodies.
Although he is a PBA player for now, Arvin Tolentino is keeping an open mind.
But here's a closed case: NorthPort will continue to suck without him.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
