WATCH: Never-say-die spirit with NorthPort, says ex-Ginebra Sol Mercado

Recently, the NorthPort Batang Pier came back from a huge 2nd half deficit and stunned the Meralco Bolts, 93-92 to cap off a historic elimination round campaign in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as they finished with a 9-2 record.

Robert Bolick was the hero of the game as he hit the go-ahead basket off a drive in the final 8 seconds. Later after that game, Sol Mercado had praise for Bolick, saying he has a “bright future” along with Kevin Ferrer.

“These are great talents, guys that can spread the floor, shoot the three. Robert’s really good off the pick and roll, he’s really good. He has a bright future. It’s only his first year, he has a lot to learn but he already has a lot of experience, he plays the game with a lot of savvy, very heady, I am excited for both of them,” said Mercado.

Coincidentally, both Bolick and Ferrer have been part of the Gilas Pilipinas cadet pool.

Asked about NorthPort’s comeback, Mercado, who has played for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the past few seasons, said his current team already possesses the never-say-die attitude as well.

“For sure, they already have it. That comes from coach (Pido Jarencio),” said Mercado. “He has that same mentality. Before I came in, they already have it. It’s really hard to play with NSD spirit. You can’t teach it. It’s either you have it or you don’t. Good thing these guys already have it. It’s a culture thing and they’ve got it.”