“Big challenge”: Johnedel Cardel relishing return to PBA as head coach of NorthPort

The NorthPort Batang Pier have appointed former Terrafirma Dyip tactician Johnedel Cardel as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming 2025–26 PBA season.

Despite ongoing talks surrounding the team’s possible sale to Pureblends Corp. in a deal reportedly worth ₱90 million, the NorthPort management moved forward with the coaching change, tapping the 55-year-old Cardel to lead a team that’s in the midst of a rebuild.

“This is a rebuilding team with new players, plus Calvin Abueva and Cade Flores on board. Then with some of the young bigs like Marlon Barasi and Jeo Ambohot, we’ll be competitive already,” Cardel said during a media availability.

Is former Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel back in the PBA? Cardel joins Bonnie Tan as NorthPort plots its Draft plan amid the franchise’s pending sale to Pureblends Corporation @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/7Ks2TM1m03

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Cardel takes over a NorthPort roster anchored by veterans like Abueva and Flores, alongside promising talents such as former top rookie pick Joshua Munzon. The team also made moves in the recent PBA Rookie Draft, selecting former Ateneo standout Chris Koon with the No. 5 overall pick, and adding CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, and Bryan Sajonia.

The former PBA forward returns to the sidelines after being let go by Terrafirma in October 2024, ending a six-year tenure with the franchise. Cardel admitted he stayed connected with the league during his time away and is eager to face the new challenge.

“For almost a year, I was out of the PBA, but I kept watching the games. Now that I’m back, I know it’s a big challenge,” he added.

Meanwhile, changes within the NorthPort organization have also taken place. Former team governor Eric Arejola has moved to Magnolia as an alternate governor, while ex-team manager Waiyip Chong has joined Terrafirma in a similar capacity.

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