All news tagged JoshuaMunzon

Pureblends Corp., a food manufacturing and solutions company, is close to acquiring the NorthPort franchise before the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opens its 50th season on October 4. 

PBA chairman Ricky Vargas confirmed that most documents are finalized and due diligence is complete, with the sale expected to be completed soon.

Vargas welcomed the development and thanked San Miguel Corp. for allowing a competitor into the league. 

“It’s a welcome situation,” said Vargas. 

He also announced that competition advertising will be permitted during games, except when a team with a competing brand is playing. 

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said NorthPort player movements are on hold until the sale is finalized.

“Talks are serious and it’s close to getting done. It could happen anytime. I’d like to thank San Miguel Corp. for allowing a competitor to come in. The Board has also decided to allow competition to advertise on TV during games but only when a team of a competitive brand is not playing, it was decided not to permit any further movements of NorthPort players until the sale is confirmed.”  Marcial said. 

Pureblends, owned by Bryann Calantoc, is reportedly considering a coaching overhaul for Batang Pier, possibly tapping a former PBA head coach to lead the team.

The Northport Batang Pier exhibited steady resolve as they nailed their first win against Ginebra in five years following a thrilling 119-116 victory on Wednesday, January 8, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Batang Pier maintained their lead in the rankings, hiking a 7-1 win-loss record, demonstrating the kind of resolute effort typically seen by traditional contenders.

TNT Tropang Giga was unable to hold on to the tight defense of Northport Batang Pier, which won its fourth straight game, 100-95, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.

However, TNT managed to cut the lead to 97-95 with 1:43 left on the game clock when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made a free throw, but Joshua Munzon successfully converted his three-point shot to keep the Batang Pier from losing the lead.

“I just take that shcot with confidence. The play wasn't even for me but [my teammates] found me. I was open and I was happy that I made that shot. I was confident in myself. Every time I shoot the ball, I think it's going in," said Munzon.

Northport Batang Pier assistant coach Renzy Bajar said the key to their win was their strong defense against TNT.

The Batang Pier also took advantage of the suspension of big man Poy Erram, who was penalized for hitting Glenn Yang in TNT’s conference-opening loss to Hong Kong Eastern this weekend.