By REYNALD MAGALLON
Arvin Tolentino has now proven to be one of the most lethal scorers in today’s PBA after dropping 51 points against Converge but the 28-year-old winger was far from being satisfied as he hopes to continue to improve and be a more complete player.
The Batang Pier star joined an elite company of scorers in the PBA history books as the latest local player to ever score 50 or more points in the game, proving he’s one of the best in the league in terms of putting the ball into the hoop.
“To be honest I always wanted to see myself as that yung confidence ko yung pride ko to be one of the best. That’s the dream ever since I was a kid to compete against the best here in the PBA,” Tolentino said of his feat.
He, however, pointed out that it wasn’t him alone that made the feat possible. He also credited his teammates who provided him ways and chances to get to scoring positions after pulling off stops on the other end.
“This team is not a one-man team like a lot of people are saying,” Tolentino said. “It’s a total team effort. I scored 51 but I give credit to my teammates who gave their best today. I think they deserve the spotlight also,” he added.
That being said, more than his offense, Tolentino hopes to become more of a complete player as he eyes to develop his defensive game and be in the all-defensive team like his teammates Joshua Munzon and Jio Jalalon.
“Overall I need to improve pa especially right now na medyo marked man na rin ako I also have to adjust kung anong defense na binibgay sa akin,” said Tolentino who had a near-triple-double the game before his explosion with 10 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
“One thing, also making my teammates involved and of course my defense. If I can score I have to make a stop also. I’ve been working on that and I won’t stop. Gusto ko sana yung all defensive team. I want to be the best in that department naman,” he added in between laughs.
NorthPort head coach Bonnie Tan, on the other hand, was glad at how Tolentino is evolving into a multi-dimensional player and not only known for his scoring.
“I’m happy with Arvin’s career for the past two games kung makita niyo yung stats nya not much of scoring but sa defense nya and assists department medyo nag step up na siya so nag eevoove nag mamature na rin yung game niya,” added the soft-spoken mentor.
