In the lead-up to its maiden PBA season, the newly-minted Titan Ultra Giant Risers wasted no time addressing a glaring need, acquiring big man Ato Ular from the Phoenix Fuel Masters in exchange for guard James Kwekuteye. This trade, which the PBA trade committee quickly approved, is a classic study in organizational philosophy—a win-win transaction where both teams successfully plugged a critical roster hole, demonstrating a shrewd understanding of their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Titan Ultra Solves Its Size Problem
For the new franchise, which acquired the core of the former NorthPort Batang Pier, the priority was clear: frontcourt size and depth. The inherited roster was notably undersized, relying on players like Sidney Onwubere and the newly acquired Jeo Ambohot (via the Evan Nelle deal) to man the paint. The 6-foot-4 Ular, despite being slightly undersized for a traditional PBA big man, is an efficient, tough, and high-motor rebounder and scorer in the paint.
Why Ular is Crucial for Titan Ultra:
Frontcourt Reinforcement: Ular immediately shores up a thin frontline that includes Onwubere, Damie Cuntapay, rookie Mario Barasi, and Ambohot. His grit and rebounding ability address the former NorthPort franchise’s historical weakness for size.
Instant Production: Ular had a breakout rookie season with Blackwater, averaging 11.2 points and 9.1 rebounds in his first year, proving he can be a legitimate contributor. The Giant Risers will count on him to provide that blue-collar production immediately.
Proven Fit: Titan Ultra owner Bryann Calantoc is determined to build a playoff contender, and adding a player with Ular’s two-way tenacity gives their core the much-needed interior presence to compete nightly.
Titan Ultra traded away a promising guard, but for a team desperate for paint muscle, acquiring a proven, low-maintenance big man like Ular is a necessary step towards building a sustainable identity.
Phoenix Fortifies Backcourt Depth and Flexibility
The trade was initiated by Phoenix, a move that suggests the Fuel Masters had already assessed their own roster and found Ular to be expendable, particularly given their evolving frontcourt composition. By trading Ular, Phoenix has consolidated its big man rotation and, more importantly, acquired a scoring weapon on the wing.
Why Kwekuteye is a Good Fit for Phoenix:
Scoring Injection: While Phoenix has a solid frontcourt rotation that includes Jason Perkins, Raul Soyud, and the exciting rookie Kai Ballungay, their main deficiency is a consistent scoring presence on the perimeter. Kwekuteye is a 6-foot-2, Fil-Canadian guard known for his scoring ability and athleticism.
Guard Depth: Kwekuteye's arrival provides another reliable option alongside Tyler Tio, Jjay Alejandro, and RJ Jazul, giving Coach Willy Wilson more flexibility in his rotations, especially for a team that has openly stated its priority is acquiring a true center.
The Best Available Asset: For Phoenix, trading a role player in an area of depth (frontcourt) for a potentially high-upside player in an area of need (perimeter scoring) is an excellent business decision. Kwekuteye, who was recently acquired by NorthPort for Abu Tratter, gives them a younger, more explosive asset.
A Fair Exchange of Assets
Ultimately, the Ular-Kwekuteye exchange is a rare, perfectly rational trade that meets the distinct needs of two franchises:
Titan Ultra: Acquired a reliable, tenacious big man to instantly improve its undersized frontcourt.
Phoenix: Shipped a rotational big man for a dynamic perimeter scorer, balancing their roster to address their lack of consistent firepower on the wing.
Both teams exchanged players that were redundant or surplus to their requirements for talent that immediately fills an organizational gap. This is a solid decision for both parties as they head into the PBA's golden season.
Related Article: PBA Trade Analysis: Northport-Blackwater swap!
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