Cebu MPBL team set for major shakeup as new owner steps in

Reports indicate significant changes for the Cebu Classic in the MPBL, with veteran sports journalist Snow Badua announcing a new owner will take over the controversial team.

A major sponsor confirmed to CDN Digital that Cebuano businessman Samson Lato, a longtime behind-the-scenes supporter, is set to assume full control of the Cebu-based squad. This move follows ongoing team issues, including reported salary delays that led several players and staff to walk out.

An anonymous source stated previous owner Voltaire Ora faced financial difficulties sustaining the team, prompting Lato's takeover. Alongside the ownership change, the team will undergo a rebrand, transitioning from the Cebu Classic to the Cebu Greats.

Lato has experience building competitive teams, notably assembling the MJAS-Zenith Talisay City Aquastars roster that reached the 2021 Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Visayas leg finals, featuring players like Paolo Hubalde (who recently left the Classic), Patrick Cabahug, Reeve Ugsang, Joshua Dela Cerna, Jaymar Gimpayan, and Shane Menina.

For the new Cebu Greats, the target roster includes prominent names such as Mac Tallo, Jun Manzo, and Paul Desiderio, all reportedly in negotiations. On the coaching side, Cebuano coach Junthy Valenzuela will reportedly replace Mike Reyes as head coach.

The source added that the new team logo and jerseys are already being designed and will be announced soon. It remains unclear whether the Cebu Classic will finish the current MPBL season (where they hold a 4-11 record and are on a four-game losing streak) or if the Cebu Greats will take over immediately.