In a move that has sent ripples through the PBA social media landscape, the Titan Ultra Giant Risers (formerly NorthPort) have officially activated rookie Paolo Javillonar to their active roster. To make room, the team relegated 6-foot-8 big man Mario Barasi Jr. to the Unrestricted Free Agent with Rights to Receive Salary (UFAWR2RS) list.
For a player who was the very first pick of the second round (13th overall) in the 2025 PBA Draft, this development is a jarring reality check.
A Wasted Opportunity for Ginebra?
The story of Mario Barasi is intrinsically tied to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. When the Gin Kings called his name at the start of the second round, many saw it as a masterstroke by Coach Tim Cone—a young, 6-foot-7 project to eventually succeed Japeth Aguilar. Barasi himself was vocal about his excitement to play for the league's most popular franchise.
However, the honeymoon period ended before it began. Ginebra famously opted not to sign their 13th overall pick, allowing him to walk into free agency where he was picked up by NorthPort (now Titan Ultra).
Looking back, fans are now asking: Did Ginebra waste a high second-round pick? By passing on other available prospects like Dave Ando, Ximone Sandagon, or CJ Austria to draft a player they ultimately didn't believe in, the Gin Kings missed a chance to bolster their rotation with a more immediate contributor.
Titan Ultra’s Short Leash
While Ginebra gave up on Barasi before the season started, Titan Ultra has seen enough in just a few months to make their own decision. Despite his height and potential, Barasi struggled to find his footing in the PBA's physical environment.
| Mario Barasi 2025–26 Stats (Limited Action) | Avg |
| Minutes Per Game | 7.3 |
| Points Per Game | 1.3 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 1.7 |
| Efficiency Rating | -1.2 |
The activation of Paolo Javillonar—a rugged, high-motor forward from Letran—signals that Titan Ultra is prioritizing grit and readiness over Barasi’s raw length. Javillonar provides the defensive toughness the team needs right now, whereas Barasi remains a "long-term project" that the Giant Risers simply don't have time to develop.
Is it Time to Give Up on Barasi?
Being placed on the UFAWR2RS list is often a "purgatory" for PBA players. While Barasi still receives his salary, he is essentially a free agent who can be signed by any team willing to take a chance on him.
Is his career over? At 25 years old, it’s too early to say "never." However, when two different franchises—one a powerhouse like Ginebra and the other a rebuilding team like Titan Ultra—both decide they can win more easily without you, the writing is on the wall. Unless Barasi can drastically improve his mobility and interior scoring, he may find himself relegated to the 3x3 circuit or the MPBL sooner rather than later.
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