Titan Ultra parts ways with Johnedel Cardel

Titan Ultra is set to usher in a new era as it searches for another chief to lead the Giant Risers moving forward.

This development comes after the Giant Risers parted ways with head coach Johnedel Cardel, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.

Cardel, 55, was appointed as Titan Ultra’s first-ever head coach. Under his watch, the Giant Risers posted a 4–7 record, finishing a game ahead of Phoenix and three games clear of Blackwater and Terrafirma.

All four of Titan Ultra’s victories came at the expense of the Meralco Bolts, the Bossing, the Dyip, and the Fuel Masters.

Despite those wins, Titan Ultra still ended up ninth in the standings—two games shy of eighth-seeded NLEX, which claimed the final playoff spot.

With Cardel’s departure, the Giant Risers are now turning their attention to the amateur ranks in their search for a new head coach.

Rensy Bajar will remain as Titan Ultra’s lead assistant coach, while multiple-time MPBL champion coach Jerson Cabiltes is also set to join the coaching staff.

The incoming head coach will inherit a team led by veterans Calvin Abueva and Joshua Munzon.

More importantly, the next chief tactician will face a pivotal decision: push for immediate success or build patiently for the future, especially with the 2027 PBA Draft shaping up to be the deepest in league history.

At present, the Giant Risers are projected to hold the fourth overall pick in next year’s first round, along with five selections in the second round—assets that could significantly shape the franchise’s direction.