IT’s business as usual for NorthPort’s players amid the pending sale of the Batang Pier’s PBA franchise to Pureblends Corp.
“Just staying ready to play basketball, being ready for whatever happens,” NorthPort star Joshua Munzon said on the sidelines of the Season 50 Rookie Draft.
“They haven’t formally said anything yet but we kind of see there are changes being made. At the same time, some of the stuff we know we can control, we will control and that’s being ready to play and come October give our best on the court.”
Pureblends has made its bid to buy NorthPort formal by filing a letter of intent and submitting key requirements to the pro league.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said the review committee composed of governors Bill Pamintuan of Meralco and Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix and legal counsel Ogie Narvasa is evaluating the proposed sale for recommendation to the board.
In the meantime, the NorthPort team continues with its functions as a PBA member.
Last Sunday, the Batang Pier dutifully attended the draft and picked all the way to the 11th round. The Batang Pier selected Chris Koon, CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, Brian Sajonia, Jonathan Gesalem, Jonas Tibayan, Kobe Bryant Pableo, Kenny Ricacurva, Kint Ariar, Robi Nayve and Ricky Peromingan.
For Mr. Munzon, one of the key holdovers from last season, it’s all about having the right mindset.
“I think it’s more of a mental thing. Whether we’re playing for NorthPort or Pureblends or however it goes, we just have to be ready to compete and be on the court.”
Mr. Marcial said if the sale gets the required 2/3 vote from the PBA board, then Pureblends may start carrying its banner in the golden season.
In case the purchase will be finalized and greenlit in the middle of the Philippine Cup already, Mr. Marcial said NorthPort will have to finish the conference first before Pureblends can take over in the next.
Meanwhile, NorthPort’s governor and head of basketball operations Erick Arejola has moved to Magnolia as consultant. Mr. Arejola even joined the Hotshots’ new coach LA Tenorio and governor Jason Webb and team manager Alvin Patrimonio in coming up the stage when they drafted Yukien Andrada at sixth overall. — Olmin Leyba
