By REYNALD MAGALLON
The PBA board is expected to finally make the decision on Pureblends Corps’ acquisition of the NorthPort franchise in the coming days, league commissioner Willie Marcial revealed on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Speaking during the PBA Season 50 media day at the Elements Eton Centris, Marcial said he is expecting for the NorthPort’s sale to be given the green light before the earliest on Monday, Sept. 28 and certainly, before the opening on Oct. 5.
“Alam ko by this week, bago mag Monday iyan. Halos done deal na iyon eh may mga papeles na lang,“ said Marcial.
“Mamaya yung Northport baka suot pa nila uniform nila pero baka sa opening baka iba na yan,“ added the league chieftain as the Batang Pier are still expected to attend the Media Day on their NorthPort threads.
The PBA board had already discussed the Pureblends purchase of NorthPort during the annual PBA board planning in Las Vegas last month.
A review committee, which is composed of Atty. Bill Pamintuan of Meralco, Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix, PBA legal counsel Atty. Ogie Narvaza, and Marcial, himself, had been formed to deliberate on Pureblend’s capacity to maintain a PBA team.
Though has yet to be given green light, NorthPort has been hard on their preparations for the league 50th season with new head coach John Cardel already calling the shots during their tuneup game.
The team has also made big movements during the offseason adding Jeo Ambohot through a trade, Von Pessumal, Aljun Melecio and rookie Mario Barasi through the free agency and Chris Koon through the PBA draft.
The team has also re-signed Damie Cuntapay and Fran Yu to contract extensions.
The offseason moves, of course, has the go signal from the team incoming management led by Aldriane Angkin who is set to become the Pureblends’ team manager.
