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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider NorthPort – or Pureblends – has pieces to be competitive, says Cardel

NorthPort – or Pureblends – has pieces to be competitive, says Cardel

Published Sep 30, 2025 03:00 pm

At A Glance

  • Comebacking head coach John Cardel believes NorthPort – or should finally be given approval, Pureblends – has the tools and players to be competitive in the PBA landscape.
Comebacking head coach John Cardel believes NorthPort – or should finally be given approval, Pureblends – has the tools and players to be competitive in the PBA landscape.
Aside from a very supportive management led by incoming team owner Brian Calantoc, Cardel said he has a perfect mix of veterans and young guns – both have a lot to prove in the league – to form a team that is reportedly set to carry the "Titan Maxx" name in the PBA.
“Kung ikukumpara ko ito kesa sa team ko sa Terrafirma, itong team na ito is may lamang na agad. May piyesa na,“ Cardel said of the lineup he took over from former NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan.
Cardel has veterans Joshua Munzon and Calvin Abueva to lead the crew alongside young, budding talents in the likes of Fran Yu, Damie Cuntapay, James Kwekuteye and Cade Flores.
The team has also added veteran players Von Pessumal, Aljun Melecio through the free agency, Jeo Ambohot through a trade, and Chris Koon through the draft.
Motivation isn't lacking for these players according to Cardel, especially as they are expected to play much bigger roles in the new team.
“May piyesa na. Siguro papano na lang namin sila i-motivate kasi siyempre medyo di sila nakakalaro sa team nila before. That's why may mga tuneup kami para makilala nila yung isat isa at maging team kami,“ said Cardel.
Cardel said they may be the newcomers in the league,  but they cannot afford to be daunted by the tough competition. And he has Abueva to rely on in setting examples to the rest of his teammates.
“Sabi ko kailangan maging Calvin Abueva kayo kailangan maging matapang kayo kasi iyan ang kailangan sa PBA para tumagal kayo, kailangan matapang kayo hindi pwedeng soft,“ he added.
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