NorthPort has yet to finalize its import as it is having trouble striking a deal with Jamel Artis for the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup.

Batang Pier team manager Bonnie Tan said they are having difficulty bringing Artis on board after they lost their rights to Michael Qualls to Rain or Shine.

"We are having a problem with Jamel Artis," said Tan, referring to the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh star who averaged 29.6 points on 37 percent shooting from beyond the arc on top of 8.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Batang Pier last season.

Batang Pier governor Erick Arejola told Daily Tribune that they are not giving up on Artis, hoping that they can finalize a deal in time for the opening of the Governors' Cup at the third week of this month.

NorthPort made a return to the Commissioner's Cup playoffs but lost to third seed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in two games of their best-of-three quarterfinal affair.

They are determined to book a return flight to the playoffs as they are powered by a young core headed by Robert Bolick, Arvin Tolentino, Prince Caperal and Will Navarro, who was selected by the Batang Pier in the special PBA draft a few years ago.

Bolick led all local players in scoring with 21 points in 14 matches while emerging second in assists with 6.3 points per game.