By MARK REY MONTEJO
NorthPort star Arvin Tolentino is always reminding himself to keep his feet on the ground despite the continuous rise to his game.
The 28-year-old Tolentino, who is playing his fourth season in the PBA, believed that there’s so much more to improve in his game and that proper mindset is vital for him to become a more complete player.
“Feeling ko sarili ko talagang kulang pa eh, I don’t really look at myself as a complete player kasi once na pumasok sa isip ko ‘yon do’n magsisimula ‘yong downfall eh. I think every player ganun naman [mag isip],” Tolentino stressed.
“Everyday routine ko is to be a better player, to be better than yesterday,” he added.
“I still look up myself na talagang kulang pa, I think malaking factor dahil I can never stop working on my game.”
The proud son of Angono, Rizal is currently averaging 24 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5 assists per game, leading the Batang Pier to their fourth straight triumph.
Tolentino, a two-time PBA champion, as the leader in their young team, is trying to lead by example for his teammates, especially in boosting their confidence before the game.
“Marami pa talaga, I can score and I can rebound and I got the height, but there’s so much more in the game than talent,” he continued.
“I just tried to do the right things, to set an example to these guys and encourage them. And make sure na lahat kami merong kumpiyansa in every practice and every game,” he added.
Tolentino was part of the historic Gilas Pilipinas side which ended the 61-year gold medal drought in the quadrennial meet, after ruling the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games 5×5 men’s basketball tournament with a win against Jordan last September.
