NorthPort Batang Pier's inconsistent performance in the 2024-25 season has left them struggling to find continuity on both ends of the floor. The team's defensive issues, particularly in the paint, have been a major concern. In the Governors' Cup, injuries to key guard Jio Jalalon hampered backcourt stability, and the eventual departure due to an injury of import Venky Jois derailed any hopes of finding continuity on both ends of the floor. Just when it seemed like the team were heading toward another forgettable stretch, they flipped the script in the Commissioner's Cup -- riding a wave of momentum to clinch the top seed going into the playoffs. As NorthPort became one of the best transition teams in the league, it led to their third semifinal appearance in franchise history, only to bow out against Ginebra. It was a brief but promising high, suggesting the team had turned a corner. Unfortunately, the optimism has quickly evaporated in the ongoing Philippine Cup. NorthPort has found itself back in familiar territory, currently mired in a six-game losing skid and once again on the brink of playoff elimination. The team's struggles in this conference are glaring, and while there are several areas that need attention, it's the defensive end that sticks out like a sore thumb. Chief among their issues is the lack of size and interior presence. The absence of a natural center has left NorthPort vulnerable in the paint. With only Damie Cuntapay and Sidney Onwubere available as frontcourt options, both of whom aren't ideally suited to man the middle, the team has had to improvise. This has come in the form of William Navarro, who has taken on an undersized big man role out of necessity. To his credit, Navarro has been nothing short of stellar. He's emerged as the team's most consistent performer this conference, averaging an impressive 20.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 stocks (steals + blocks) while shooting an efficient 64.5% on two-pointers. His versatility and motor have kept NorthPort competitive in stretches, but his standout play also highlights the imbalance in their roster. And a surprise to no one, the player that has carried them on both ends of the floor is gone -- via a trade on Tuesday that sent Navarro to Magnolia Hotshots in exchange of Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza and a future second round pick. With this move, the team's deficiencies in rebounding and rim protection is expected to get worse. NorthPort ranks 8th in total rebounds (42.3 per game) and 7th in offensive boards (12.4), indicating their ongoing struggle to control possessions and protect the paint. These numbers paint a clear picture: without addressing their need for size and interior toughness, it's hard to envision NorthPort breaking out of this cycle of peaks and valleys. Another statistical nugget to keep in mind about NorthPort's difficulty in guarding the paint is the efficiency of their last six opponents from 2s. They have allowed an average of 50.7 points in the paint while giving up a blistering 58.8% on two-pointers in that span -- a microcosm of the defensive issues that have plagued the team throughout the conference. On the other hand, this concern is only compounded by the uncertainty surrounding Arvin Tolentino's situation. The reigning Best Player of the Conference award winner has been dealing with a nagging injury, and his status for the remainder of the season remains up in the air.