Discover the Complete PBA NorthPort Roster for the Current Season
As I sit down to analyze the current PBA NorthPort roster, I can't help but reflect on how team dynamics in professional sports often mirror what we see in other entertainment industries. Just last week, I was reading about the Vince McMahon scandal and how it affected WWE's roster decisions, particularly regarding Brock Lesnar's exclusion from events due to sexual assault allegations. This got me thinking about how sports organizations handle player controversies while maintaining team chemistry – something NorthPort has navigated remarkably well this season.
Let me walk you through NorthPort's current lineup, which features 16 players who've shown incredible synergy despite various challenges. The team's core remains built around veteran leadership, with 34-year-old Robert Bolick continuing to demonstrate why he's worth every peso of his reported ₱18 million contract. Having watched him play since his college days, I've always admired his clutch performance in critical moments. The backcourt combination of Bolick and Kevin Ferrer creates what I consider one of the most underrated guard partnerships in the league. Ferrer's defensive versatility allows Bolick to focus on offensive creation, and their chemistry reminds me of how some WWE tag teams operate – when one partner faces challenges, the other steps up seamlessly.
What really excites me about this roster is the young talent developing beneath the established stars. I've been particularly impressed with Jamie Malonzo's development – his athleticism is off the charts, and at 26, he's just entering his prime. The team management made a smart move securing him for three seasons, especially after his performance last conference where he averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds. Then there's Arwind Santos, the 41-year-old veteran who brings championship experience from his San Miguel days. I've followed his career for over a decade, and his basketball IQ remains among the highest in the league, though I do worry about his minutes distribution given his age.
The center position presents an interesting dynamic that I've been observing closely. Prince Ibeh provides the traditional rim protection the team needs, but what really caught my attention was how coach Bonnie Tan has been utilizing the 6'8" William Navarro in various lineups. Having attended three of their games this season, I noticed Navarro's versatility allows NorthPort to experiment with small-ball lineups that create matchup problems for opponents. This strategic flexibility reminds me of how successful organizations across sports – and even in entertainment – must adapt when facing unexpected challenges, much like WWE had to adjust their programming when dealing with the Lesnar situation.
Looking at the bench depth, NorthPort has quietly assembled what I believe to be one of the deepest rotations in the league. Players like Paolo Taha and Roi Sumang provide reliable minutes, though I'd like to see more consistency from Sumang, whose shooting percentages have fluctuated between 38% and 45% this season. The team's third-string point guard, Allyn Bulanadi, has shown flashes of brilliance in limited minutes, and I suspect we'll see more of him as the season progresses. Having spoken with several team insiders, I get the sense that the coaching staff is particularly high on his development trajectory.
The management's approach to building this roster demonstrates a clear understanding of balancing immediate competitiveness with future planning. They've committed approximately ₱65 million to player salaries this season while maintaining flexibility for future moves. This strategic foresight is crucial in professional sports – it's not just about assembling talent, but creating an environment where players can thrive both individually and collectively. The recent controversies in other sports organizations highlight how important it is to have both talent and character in the locker room.
As we approach the crucial part of the season, I'm particularly interested in how NorthPort will manage player workloads. The compressed schedule means teams will play approximately 14 games in 6 weeks, testing every roster's depth and resilience. Based on what I've observed, NorthPort's balanced approach to roster construction positions them well for this challenge, though I do have concerns about their three-point shooting consistency, which has hovered around 32% this season.
What makes this NorthPort team special, in my view, is their collective identity. Unlike some teams that rely heavily on one or two stars, NorthPort has developed a genuine next-man-up mentality. I've noticed how players celebrate each other's successes on the court, and this camaraderie often translates to better defensive communication and offensive flow. Having followed the PBA for over fifteen years, I can confidently say this is one of the most cohesive NorthPort rosters I've seen, despite not having the biggest names or highest payroll in the league.
The true test for any roster comes during playoff pressure, and I believe NorthPort has built a team that can handle those moments. Their mix of veteran experience and youthful energy creates a dynamic that should serve them well in close games. While I don't see them as championship favorites yet, I wouldn't be surprised if they make a deep playoff run and potentially upset one of the top-seeded teams. The beauty of basketball – much like other forms of entertainment – is that the best-laid plans often get rewritten by unexpected heroes, and NorthPort seems to have several players capable of becoming exactly that.
