Sources Say: Arvin Tolentino Bound for KBL, But NorthPort Doesn’t Need a Star Replacement
According to sources close to the situation, NorthPort Batang Pier star Arvin Tolentino is set to leave the PBA and take his talents to the Korean Basketball League (KBL) — a move that has been strongly hinted at through recent social media activity and mounting interest from overseas teams.
The 29-year-old forward has recently followed the Instagram accounts of at least three KBL franchises — Seoul SK Knights, Busan KCC Egis, and Seoul Samsung Thunders — along with the official KBL account itself. That pattern of engagement didn’t go unnoticed by fans and KBL insiders, particularly South Korean blogger @baekpd1983, who was first to point out the digital trail.
“Among the 3 teams, Samsung will be the best team for him,” noted one observer. “His strength is offense and not defense. Also, Samsung is the only team in need of his service.”
While Tolentino has publicly stated that the PBA remains his priority, even calling NorthPort a "comfortable situation," it’s clear from multiple insider reports — and his own words — that playing abroad is high on his radar:
“I am looking at everything,” he said. “Siyempre bihira lang ‘yung opportunity na ganun. I am sure lahat naman siguro nasa bucket list ‘yun.”
Currently recovering from a hip flexor injury, the Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference has been NorthPort’s most important player since the departure of Robert Bolick. His expected move to Korea is a blow to the Batang Pier’s on-court firepower — but should it push the team to pursue a blockbuster trade?
Should NorthPort Trade for a Star to Replace Arvin?
The answer: No.
Despite Tolentino’s value and MVP-level performance this season, NorthPort’s roster remains one of the most promising and well-balanced young cores in the league. The likes of Joshua Munzon, Cade Flores, Will Navarro, and JM Calma (acquired recently via trade) provide solid depth, versatility, and upside. There’s no immediate need to swing for a marquee name just to fill a scoring void.
Instead of mortgaging their young future to patch up the short-term loss, NorthPort would be wiser to invest in continuity, develop their existing assets, and explore the upcoming draft — where they might pick up another high-ceiling prospect if they retain their selection.
Final Word
If Arvin Tolentino does indeed head to the KBL, it will mark a significant personal milestone in his career and be a proud moment for Filipino basketball. But as far as NorthPort goes, there’s no need to panic. His departure won’t crater the team — not when they have one of the deepest young rotations in the PBA.
In fact, NorthPort may be the rare team in recent memory that can lose an MVP candidate and still stay on course for a competitive future.
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