PBA: Magnolia makes major roster tweaks in hopes of ending title drought

Magnolia has ached for a PBA title since the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

In the hopes of ending that dryspell, the Hotshots have made tweaks in its roster.

Magnolia first let go of longtime star point guard Jio Jalalon, who was shipped to NorthPort along with Abu Tratter for promising big man Zav Lucero.

[RELATED STORY: Alfrancis Chua gives honest take on mixed reactions drawn from PBA's adoption of four-point line]

Magnolia’s first round pick and former Adamson star Jerom Lastimosa is supposed to fill Jalalon’s spot as backup point.

But he is not likely to see action in the Governors’ Cup as he is still recovering from an ACL injury.

This prompted the Hotshots to sign free agent Peter Alfaro, son of PBA player Pedro Alfaro, who is not lacking in experience after suiting up for TNT in the PBA On Tour and San Beda in its NCAA title conquest.

[ALSO READ: 'If you do not innovate, you die': PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas banks on 4-point shot to be a game-changer]

Here’s how Magnolia looks in the upcoming season:

Holdovers:

 Jerrick Ahanmisi

Paul Lee

Rafi Reavis

Ian Sangalang

Calvin Abueva

Mark Barroca

Rome dela Rosa

Joseph Eriobu

James Laput

Aris Dionisio

Jed Mendoza

Jerrick Balanza

Russel Escoto

New guys:

Peter Alfaro

Zavier Lucero

Injured/Reserve:

Jerom Lastimosa

Import:

Glenn Robinson III

Outlook:

The Hotshots have been a perennial contender, and this season-opening conference is no exception.

With a talented local pool reinforced by former NBA Slam Dunk champion Glenn Robinson III, Magnolia sends a message that it is dead serious to come out on top this time.

And if everything goes their way, that’s not exactly far-fetched.

[ALSO READ: PH Cup champ Meralco vs Magnolia: Make time for this Group A game and more in the PBA Governors' Cup]