Joshua Munzon fully focused on PBA Season 50 amid NorthPort’s impending sale

The future of the NorthPort Batang Pier franchise hangs in the balance following reports that Pureblends Corp. has formally expressed its intent to acquire the team in a deal reportedly worth around ₱90 million.

Despite the uncertainty, Filipino-American standout Joshua Munzon remains locked in on the upcoming Season 50 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), regardless of whether the franchise’s sale pushes through.

“For me personally, I’m just ready to play basketball—whatever happens out there,” Munzon said during a media interaction. “I don’t have a say in the sale. My priority is basketball, and I’ll just continue to do my job.”

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Munzon was a key figure in NorthPort’s impressive semifinal run last season, where the team entered the playoffs as the top seed. It was arguably his best season yet, and he is considered one of the frontrunners to earn a spot on the All-Defensive Team at the upcoming Season 49 Leo Awards.

The 30-year-old guard hopes to build on that momentum in Season 50—whether it’s still with NorthPort or under a new banner in Pureblends.

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Joshua Munzon stays ready as Northport transitions to new ownership under Pureblends 🏀

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“At the end of the day, we’re just doing our jobs. That’s what we’re paid for—to go out there and compete,” he added. “We know there are going to be changes, but we’re optimistic. All of us are just ready to play.”

While the franchise’s fate remains unresolved, NorthPort management continues to operate as usual. The Batang Pier selected Chris Koon with the fourth overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft and were involved in a three-team trade that saw them acquire Jeo Ambohot from the Converge FiberXers while sending Evan Nelle to the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Although players have yet to be officially informed of the franchise’s future, signs of transition are already evident. Longtime team governor Erick Arejola has joined the Magnolia Hotshots as a consultant, while assistant team manager Waiyip Chong has taken on a new role as team manager of the Terrafirma Dyip.

If the takeover is finalized, it would mark the end of NorthPort’s 13-year journey in the PBA. The franchise entered the league in 2012 when Sultan 900 Inc., owned by Rep. Mikee Romero, purchased the Powerade Tigers franchise from Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines.

Over the years, NorthPort earned a reputation for its gritty, blue-collar play and occasional giant-killing feats—despite never making it to the finals. One of its most memorable campaigns came during the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, when the Batang Pier, led by Robert Bolick and Christian Standhardinger, stunned top-seeded NLEX in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals. Standhardinger would go on to win Best Player of the Conference, giving the franchise its most significant individual accolade to date.

Throughout its run, the team produced multiple PBA All-Stars, including Stanley Pringle, Sean Anthony, Terrence Romeo, and Bolick—developing a reputation for nurturing dynamic talent, even while frequently labeled a “rebuilding” team.

As Season 50 approaches, the Batang Pier—and possibly Pureblends—face a new chapter. But for players like Munzon, the mission remains the same: stay ready, stay focused, and keep playing the game.

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