THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrates its 50th season with a classic Barangay Ginebra San Miguel-Magnolia showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
And to also celebrate the golden anniversary of Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, the PBA welcomed Pureblends to the family during the pre-season press conference on Wednesday at the Shangrila Fort.
‘We are very happy that we’re accepted by the PBA, we waited for a long time and the timing is great because it’s in the PBA’s 50th anniversary,’ Pureblends team governor Emil Tiu said. ‘We will learn from here and we are to compete.’
Pureblends took over NorthPort’s franchise with the team carrying the brand Titan Ultra-a food supplement for men-and the players as the Giant Risers.
They will debut against the Meralco Bolts on October 8 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
Former Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel will handle the team composed of Cade Flores, Calvin Abueva, Joshua Munzon, Fran Yu, Damie Cuntapay, James Kwekuteye, Jeo Ambohot, rookies Chris Koon and 6-foot-9 Mario Barasi.
Jerrick Balanza and Von Pessumal are also part of the Titan Ultra roster that reportedly bought the Batang Pier franchise for P90 million-lock, stock and barrel.
‘I must admit that we are still a young team, but we have a complete lineup,’ Tiu said. ‘We will give the strong teams a good fight. We will fight.’
League treasurer Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix Super LPG said Titan Ultra complied with all the requirements to get the nod of the board.
Terrafirma also named Alfredo ‘Pido’ Jarencio as its representative to the board replacing Bobby Rosales.
Ginebra-Magnolia game where LA Tenorio will make his debut as playing-coach of the Chicken Timplados is set at 7:30 p.m.
The PBA will be holding a Fans Day on Saturday at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum to be followed by a celebration and concert at the Meralco Theater with the pro league’s past and present members.