PBA welcomes Titan Ultra Giant Risers in time for 50th season

MANILA, October 5 ------ The PBA has officially welcomed its newest ballclub, the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, ahead of its golden season. In the pre-season press conference, PBA Board Treasurer Atty. Raymond Zorilla announced the completion of the acquisition of the NorthPort Batang Pier franchise by the Pureblends Corporation. "The board of governors has approved and accepted the purchase of Pureblends Corporation of the NorthPort franchise. They will be entering the 50th season of the PBA. Their team will now be known as Titan Ultra team," he said.

The PBA introduced Titan Ultra team governor Emilio Tiu to the media for the first time. "We are very happy that we have been formally accepted by the PBA. We waited for this event saka itong tanong. Tiniming-an namin 50 years because ibang klase itong 50 years ng PBA. And we expected when we join them, we will learn many things and we will expand together with the PBA," he said. "For the composition of the team, I have to admit we are still young. But we have a complete line-up. We will give the strong teams a fight without saying, kuya kami lalaban din kami," Tiu added.

The newest ball club will be coached by former Terrafirma Dyip mentor Johnedel Cardel, with Calvin Abueva, Cade Flores, and Joshua Munzon leading the team. Fran Yu, Damie Cuntapay, rookies Chris Koon and Mario Barasi, Jerrick Balanza, James Kwekuteye, and Von Pessumal are also on the team.

Former NorthPort Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan has been named team consultant. Zorrilla said the reported P90 million deal underwent review and followed the process. "It was a process. Like in any application, we had to determine among others corporate documents, financial capacity and the like. So, they had to comply with it and there were certain, kaya lang minsan matagal kasi may either additional requirements or may lacking requirements na hindi na provide on time," he explained. "But it was a deliberate and a thorough assessment of their application, their intent to join the PBA. Hindi naman sa natagalan, but we just had to follow the process," Zorrilla added.

The approval of the sale took place in the PBA board's annual meeting, but NorthPort and Pureblends had to comply with documentary requirements.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com