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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Titan Ultra looks to impress; SMB opens title defense

Titan Ultra looks to impress; SMB opens title defense

Published Oct 7, 2025 01:20 pm

At A Glance

  • Titan Ultra is looking to make a big impression when it makes its PBA debut against Meralco while San Miguel opens its title-retention bid against NLEX at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Titan Ultra is looking to make a big impression when it makes its PBA debut against Meralco while San Miguel opens its title-retention bid against NLEX at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The Giant Risers, the newest team in the league, are aiming for a winning start to their franchise against a Bolts side also eager to open their busy schedule on a high note in the 5 p.m. affair.
It will be followed by the clash between the Beermen and the Road Warriors in the second game at 7:30 p.m.
Looking to prove that they are in the PBA not just to participate but to actually be competitive, Titan Ultra is expected to lean on the duo of Joshua Munzon and Calvin Abueva to lead the team under head coach John Cardel.
The returning PBA mentor is confident that his team has the right pieces to be competitive though he admitted that they needed time to find the chemistry and play on the same page.
“Itong team nito may laman na kaagad, may mga piyesa na. Siguro papaano na lang namin sila i-motivate kasi medyo, di sila makakalaro sa team nila before. Kaya may mga tune-up games kami para makilala nila isa’t isa at maging team kami," said Cardel.
Roi Sumang is also making his PBA comeback to join young guns like Cade Flores, Fran Yu, Damie Cuntapay, Jeo Ambohot and rookies Chris Koon and Mario Barasi Jr. Veterans Von Pessumal and Jerrick Balanza are also tasked to provide the veteran leadership.
The Bolts, however, are surely out to test the PBA newcomer especially with their intact roster bannered by Chris Newsome, Aaron Black, Raymond Almazan, Chris Banchero and the fit-again Allein Maliksi.
Meanwhile, fresh off a historic ninth Most Valuable Player award, June Mar Fajardo is spearheading the Beermen title-retention bid.
SMB, like Meralco, is parading an intact roster that also features Juami Tiongson, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Jericho Cruz, and Don Trollano. The team will also have rookies Royce Mantua and Chris Miller.
NLEX, on the other hand, will be led by first Mythical team member Robert Bolick along with Xyrus Torres, Jonnel Policarpio, Javee Mocon and Enoch Valdez.
The Road Warriors have set a semifinals appearance as a modest goal this conference and how they fare against the defending champions would say a lot on how close they are in achieving such objective.
"Over the past ten seasons, we’ve built a reputation of resilience and hard work. We’ve had our share of highs and lows, but through it all, the Road Warriors have shown heart," said NLEX governor Ronald Dulatre.
"But in our eleventh season, it’s time to turn that heart into something bigger—into wins, deeper playoff runs, and a finals run that we’ve been chasing since Day One."
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