PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and NorthPort forward Calvin Abueva during the league's media day ahead of its 50th season, September 25, 2025 in Quezon City. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- The NorthPort Batang Pier are staying focused on their preparations for the upcoming season of the PBA, even as the sale of their franchise nears completion.
This, according to veteran forward Calvin Abueva, who like his teammates was wearing white during the PBA's Media Day on Thursday in Quezon City.
According to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, the Batang Pier cannot wear their team jerseys yet, because the sale of NorthPort to Pureblends Corporation is "nearly a done deal."
This means the team will be carrying a new name in the league's golden season.
READ: Marcial says NorthPort sale to Pureblends 'nearly a done deal'
READ: Pureblends’ acquisition of NorthPort franchise ‘still under review’
"'Di ko rin alam eh. Kaya sinasabi ko nga kung pu-pwede rainbow na lang yung team namin eh. Di mo rin alam ano color o ano eh. Pero okay naman. 'Di lang namin talaga maintindihan kung ano team," Abueva said when asked about the new name.
The veteran player said the team is already complete and shared their preparations.
"Dalawang tune-up [game] na kami. Yung datingan nasa maayos naman. Kahit bago nagkaka-amuyan naman kami in the game kaya maganda sistema na ginagalaw namin under coach [Johnedel] Cardel," Abueva said.
Aside from the new name and management, the team also underwent a revamp, leaving only a few holdovers from last season.
Former Terrafirma Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel will be calling the shots for the team, taking over from Bonnie Tan.
"Bago halos three-fourths ng team. 'Di pa natin alam ano mangyayari sa season, kasi sa tuneup game parang maganda. Siyempre maiiba yan pag season na. Iba na yung datingan, iba na yung pressure," Abueva said.
With the major changes, the squad will be leaning on Abueva and Joshua Munzon to steer the young team in the golden season.
"Oo mabigat. Challenging ito samin lalo sa akin, kay Josh. Siyempre nga bago, di natin alam ano kapalaran natin ngayon. Basta ang gagawin namin lalaruin namin bawat game na ire-ready namin sarili namin," he said.
Abueva said Munzon and him talk to the rookies to give them advice and help them better understand their roles for the team.
The Pampanga native vowed to give his all to lead the team to wins next season.
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