Taken no. 9 overall in the recent PBA Draft, Lastimosa will bolster the Hotshots’ guard rotation alongside Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, and Jerrick Ahanmisi.
It's all systems go for Jerom Lastimosa.
Barring any setbacks, Lastimosa is set for his much-awaited PBA debut after being included in the Magnolia Hotshots’ official roster for the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup.
Magnolia took the risk of drafting the 5-foot-11 guard ninth overall in the 2024 Rookie Draft last July despite Lastimosa's ongoing recovery from an ACL injury he suffered in his final year playing for the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the UAAP.
But after missing the entirety of the season-opening Governors’ Cup, the ‘King Falcon’ is set to hit the hardcourt for the very first time in the import-laden tournament starting November 27.
[ALSO READ: Jerom Lastimosa starts road to recovery after operation for full ACL tear]
At his best, the 26-year-old is a gifted three-level scorer capable of hitting big shots as shown in his days with Adamson. He was also part of the gold-winning Gilas Pilipinas team who conquered the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.
Lastimosa is expected to bolster the Hotshots’ guard rotation alongside veterans Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, on top of marksman Jerrick Ahanmisi.
With a returning import in Ricardo Ratliffe back in the fold, Magnolia aims to surpass their disappointing Governors’ Cup campaign that ended in a quarterfinal exit at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
[ALSO READ: Yeng Guiao admits feeling challenged after Magnolia's ‘conscious choice’ to play ROS in quarterfinals]
The Hotshots will open the Comm’s Cup against the Blackwater Elite on Thursday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.