Titan Ultra Giant Risers face a tough task right in their first game in the PBA as a new franchise. Titan Ultra brought the NorthPort franchise in the offseason.
A new chapter in Philippine basketball history unfolds as the Titan Ultra Giant Risers make their PBA debut against the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The match is set at 5:15 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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After officially acquiring the NorthPort franchise in the offseason, Titan Ultra steps into the league eager to make an immediate impact.
But standing in their way is a seasoned Meralco squad, known for its defensive grit and consistency in deep playoff runs.
Leading the charge for the Giant Risers is Calvin Abueva, the fiery former Rookie of the Year whose energy and leadership will set the tone for the new team.
Joining him is Joshua Munzon, fresh off a breakout season where he bagged the Most Improved Player award and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team.
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Titan Ultra also boasts a mix of experience and youth. Roi Sumang and James Martinez are making a PBA comeback and are expected to provide veteran stability in the backcourt, while rookie Chris Koon, the no. 4 overall pick, is set to inject youthful energy into the rotation.
Despite being newcomers, the Giant Risers’ management believes the team has the right balance of talent and leadership to be competitive right away.
“This is our first year. As I say, we still have veterans who can help and guide our rookies,” said Titan Ultra governor Emil Tiu. “We are lucky to acquire some veteran players from other teams.”
Facing a disciplined and cohesive Meralco team will be a tough first test, but with Abueva’s intensity, Munzon’s confidence, and Koon’s potential, Titan Ultra is out to prove they belong—and perhaps, that they’re here to rise sooner than expected.
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(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]