Squads for sale cram to fill rosters in time for opening
NorthPort, or Pureblends or whatever brand it will carry moving forward, and Terrafirma—the perennial doormat—filled up some of their roster spots with the PBA’s 50th season two weeks away.
Apart from re-signing Cade Flores to a new deal, the Batang Pier were able to sign up veteran shooter Von Pessumal, who was let go by Barangay Ginebra, while they await the PBA’s decision on whether Pureblends’ purchase of the NorthPort franchise is approved by the board of governors.
But the biggest change at the moment is on the coaching side, with ex-Terrafirma mentor Johnedel Cardel likely to call the shots for whatever the team’s name is by the time the season tips off on Oct. 5 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Cardel had been spotted at the PBA Draft Combine with NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan, who will reportedly be given a managerial role once everything’s official.
Meanwhile, Terrafirma signed up a bevy of players, including another Ginebra discard in Paul Garcia, who failed to see action last season for the crowd favorites.
The Dyip also added Ira Bataller and Prince Rivero to their roster after formalizing their contracts on Thursday.
Terrafirma also retained Brent Paraiso and Kemark Carino, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.
The Dyip have opted to play this season despite botched negotiations to sell its franchise twice, though the team is still open to entertaining possible buyers.
Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo were not offered contracts, while the rights of Javi Gomez de Liaño were dealt to Magnolia in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi, who has yet to sign a deal with the Dyip.
Meanwhile, No. 1 overall pick Geo Chiu won’t be available until after concluding his MPBL stint with Abra.
