With Pureblends Corporation’s acquisition of its franchise still on hold, NorthPort will act as if it remains a full-fledged member of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Batang Pier are still going to take part in Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft while the league gives itself time to review whether the food manufacturing company, though unfamiliar to even non-basketball fans, has the capabilities of being a part of the big league.

“As of now, it’s still NorthPort who’s going to make the selections,” Marcial said after Wednesday’s meeting, adding that he’s not privy to the negotiations between both parties.

NorthPort, or Pureblends if the transaction gets the nod, has the fourth pick in the annual proceedings that has attracted 128 applicants who will try to make an impression in the two-day combine that starts Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Pureblends officials were on hand during the meeting and formalized its desire to join the big league loop by submitting a letter of intent.

Marcial said documents have been submitted to a review committee tasked to make a recommendation to the board. Under league guidelines, at least a two-thirds vote is needed for a franchise sale to be approved.

“We hope to settle the matter before the start of the season,” Marcial said. The PBA’s landmark 50th season will start on Oct. 5.

Pureblends emerged as a frontrunner as early as two weeks ago, per sources familiar to the situation. Bryann Calantoc, a former high school player at Xavier School and a graduate of University of Santo Tomas, is listed as the company’s owner and is said to be a friend of NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan.

Pureblends is known for selling food mixes particularly for baking, though it had backed several basketball teams here and abroad.

Aside from having a team in the Pilipinas Super League under its company name, Pureblends is also a sponsor of the Ho Chi Minh City Wings of the Vietnam Basketball Association. Recently, Pureblends became a sponsor of Philippines Football League club Mendiola FC 1991, which for the season is known as Valenzuela PB Mendiola.

Sources also said that a former PBA player was part of the group during the negotiation period. It is unknown if he will have some involvement once Pureblends completes the takeover.

While Pureblends was making a bid, NorthPort was business as usual and had held a two-day tryout sessions for unrestricted free agents and registered applicants for the Draft.