BRYANN Calantoc wants his first-ever foray in what he termed as the 'highest level of basketball in the country' to start on the right foot.
And one way to do it is to shed from the negative image of the franchise that his Pureblends Corp. has just acquired.
Calantoc admitted being aware of the 'farm team' label the NorthPort Batang Pier earned late in its years in the PBa, mainly due to several trades that were usually favorable to one team, specifically those under the SMC umbrella.
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He said his team is far away from it
'I understand the perception that NorthPort has carried in the past. But under our management, we are committed to a new direction," said Calantoc in a chance conversation with SPIN.ph, his first-ever interview since he shot into the limelight with his decision to buy the NorthPort franchise.
"Our priority is building a winning culture, retaining talents, and competing at the highest level, not being a feeder team," added the new team owner. "Transparency, players development, and long term competitiveness will define our approach."
Tough words, indeed for someone who's been in basketball for most of his life, but is facing his toughest challenge yet.
Calantoc was a former team captain of Grace Christian College in high school, attended college at University of Santo Tomas, where he would also play in alumni tournaments such as the Pinoy Liga
He likewise supported teams in the Philippine Super Liga and the MPBL as he transitioned from player to team financier.
And now he's joining the world's second oldest basketball league.
"For someone like me who has been deeply involved in the sport, joining the league felt like a natural step forward," said Calantoc.
Passion and business
The decision to acquire NorthPort was two-pronged, Calantoc said.
"Acquiring the NorthPort franchise was driven by two things. First, my passion to be part of the league I've admired for years, and second, the vision to position Pureblends on the biggest sports platform in the Philippines," he said.
"It's both a business decision and a personal milestone, one that allows us to contribute to the growth of Philippine basketball while also realizing a lifelong dream."
And the brand Pureblends Corp. will carry?
"We're proud to bring Titan Ultra into the PBA as our anchor brand. It is a performance-oriented supplement designed to support stamina, strength, and recovery traits that align perfectly with elite players," said Calantoc.
He added the brand will typify what the team is all about.
"It's the natural extension of our team identity - maximum effort, maximum resilience, maximum results.Just like our players push to the limit every game," Calantoc said.
By that, the new PBA team owner vows to give emphasis at competing against the rest of the field.
"Fans can expect a refreshed identity that puts a premium on pride and competition,' he said.
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