Amid talks of franchise sale, NorthPort calls for open tryouts
Business remains as usual for the NorthPort Batang Pier even amid rumors that the team is in talks to sell its franchise to Pureblends Corp.
The Batang Pier’s social media announced a two-day open tryout for registered applicants in the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft and unrestricted free agents hoping to land a spot for the upcoming season, which starts in October.
Tryout sessions are set on Thursday and Friday at Winterpine Basketball Court in Quezon City, where the team regularly holds its practices.
NorthPort owns the fourth overall pick in the proceedings set Sept. 7 at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, though there’s some uncertainty as to which company still owns the franchise by the time the Draft rolls on.
Inquirer sources confirmed over the weekend the identity of Pureblends as the frontrunner to potentially purchase the NorthPort franchise, which the Batang Pier have held since taking over from Coca-Cola’s Powerade Tigers in 2012.
Pureblends, according to its social media pages, specializes in manufacturing baking supplies and premixes, with Bryann Calantoc as the listed owner.
The company had backed a team in the recent Pilipinas Super League President’s Cup.
If the two parties forged a deal and the PBA’s board of governors gives it the green light, Pureblends will inherit NorthPort lock, stock and barrel going into the 50th season.
Mum on talks
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, however, said that a board meeting has been scheduled for the first week of September, though he didn’t state if the NorthPort status will in the agenda.
Batang Pier officials have been mum on the reported talks since news of the franchise being put in the market came out last week.
NorthPort underwent a dream semifinal run in the Commissioner’s Cup behind Best Player of the Conference Arvin Tolentino before things went south in the season-ending Philippine Cup, which was the last conference Tolentino played as he took his talent overseas.
Paul Zamar, Paolo Taha, William Navarro and Allyn Bulanadi have also left the team for various reasons.
Before the Draft, a two-day combine will be held on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, where the teams.
