THE Titan Ultra Giant Risers were left to play without an import during their first two games in the PBA Governors’ Cup not because of a financial issue, but rather because of unavoidable circumstances beyond the team's control.
Titan Ultra team owner and new PBA board governor Bryann Calantoc clarified that a fire that gutted the home of their original import, Tirell Brown, forced the team to play without a reinforcement against Terrafirma and Converge.
READ Titan Ultra recalls original choice Tirrell Brown, avoids fine
“Nasunugan po kasi si Tirell kaya hindi po agad siya nakalipad. Fortunately, it only took him a few days to secure a new passport in the US,” the youthful team owner shared.
“The challenge was that when he finally arrived in the country, we needed to process his government permits — specifically his BID [Bureau of Immigration and Deportation] and GAB [Games and Amusement Board] licenses. Nagkataon po Friday siya dumating so walang government offices,” he explained, citing the government's new four-day work week schedule.
Asked why it took a few weeks to fly their import in, Calantoc said management gave Brown all the time he needed to take care of his family in the US before flying over.
“Ayaw naman po namin na paalisin siya agad dun na hindi pa okay ang sitwasyon ng pamilya nya. Kasi kami po may pamilya rin kaya alam namin ang pakiramdam,” he said.
“That’s the reason why nag Plan B kami,” he added, stressing that they never looked at another import because they firmly believe Brown is the right fit for the team.
“Malapad siya na masipag na may shooting sa labas, very much like former Rain or Shine and San Miguel import AZ Reid from back in the day,” he said.
Calantoc revealed that management only activated a backup plan when it became clear that Brown wouldn't arrive in time for the opening games, tapping former San Miguel import James Milton.
Milton arrived in the country promptly, but an unexpected delay in securing his FIBA clearance prevented him from suiting up in time for the first two games.
“That’s how it was po. And hindi po madali ang sistema kasi ang daming permits, and I heard mas mahigpit ngayon sa mga foreigners dahil sa recent issue involving a foreign coach,” he stated.
Baseless accusations vs Titan
Meanwhile, Titan Ultra team manager Jessica Arsolon expressed her disappointment over the harsh fan backlash, noting that some resorted to name-calling and baseless accusations that the franchise lacked the budget to compete.
“Stressful po talaga nangyari. Kaya unfair yung sinasabi nila na wala kaming budget for an import. Kasi to begin with, hindi naman po kami papasa sa scrutiny ng PBA if wala talaga kaming funds to maintain the team,” Arsolon pointed out.
“And since bago lang po kaming team and majority of the people in the team are newbies sa liga, talagang di pa po kami gaanong bihasa sa pagpapatakbo,” she admitted.
Looking ahead, the two Titan Ultra officials emphasized that they are already preparing for the upcoming draft to double down on the franchise's long-term buildup.
“Yes, we are competing, but we consider our first year as a transition phase from the previous franchise to ours. So, expect more team-building moves starting this conference, leading to the offseason and the coming draft,” Arsolon assured.
To further streamline their operations, Calantoc shared that he has actively taken on the role of team governor to get a better grasp of the PBA system and build direct relationships with the people running the league.
“Para po mas mabilis ang decision-making sa team namin, and para po ako mismo na decision-maker ang andun and personally oversee the movements and developments of the team,” Calantoc said.
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