JOSHUA Munzon has been playing his best basketball in a NorthPort uniform in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
On Friday, the former No. 1 draft pick scored 20 points and recorded a game-high four steals in the Batang Pier’s 106-89 win over Blackwater.
READ NorthPort seals place in PBA quarterfinals after rout of Blackwater
The high-flyer is steadily regaining his top form after a couple of lackluster conferences, a year after being traded by Terrafirma to NorthPort for Kevin Ferrer.
But more than the offense, Munzon has been superb on defense as he leads the league in steals with 2.4 after the Blackwater game, the highest average of his career.
In his first conference with NorthPort in the 2022-23 Governors’ Cup, Munzon averaged 8.3 points and 0.8 steals.
“Maybe, I just want to show how good I can play on defense,” said Munzon. “A lot of people know I can play offense but I guess my defense hasn’t been there. But I think we want to put importance on playing defense. I know I can get into the passing lanes, get steals, I’m capable of disrupting the defense.”
“I want to show and I’ve just been trying to show that I’m a pretty good defender out there,” said the 28-year-old, who once had five steals in a game against NLEX last November 22.
NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan lauded Munzon for embracing the challenge of becoming a better defender. Tan also felt that the pressure of being a former No. 1 pick might have gotten into Munzon in previous conferences.
Tan praises Munzon
“I’m happy for Josh. ‘Yung first year niya, parang pressured siya to perform as the number one pick. Siguro ‘yung expectations ang nag-trigger na medyo below-par ‘yung performance niya,” said Tan.
“We talked before this conference na para ma-lessen ‘yung pressure, just start by playing good defense and you’ll be getting your minutes na deserving minutes. You cannot perform well or contribute to a team if you are on the bench.
"I’m happy na ‘yung mindset ni Josh is defense first and the offense will follow,” said Tan.
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