NEW name, new era.
In hopes of a fresh start, the storied Purefoods’ franchise will carry a new team name in the Philippine Basketball Association.
The then Star Hotshots will now be known as the Magnolia Hotshots moving forward.
Magnolia, featuring its players, coaching staff and management, was unveiled in an official launching yesterday at the Ynares Center in Pasig City.
The team is hoping that its new name can lead it back to the Promised Land after falling short the previous seasons.
“The challenge for the team is to win championships again as we’re set to carry a new name with a fresh start,” said team manager Alvin Patrimonio, the franchise’s most iconic player in its history.
Patrimonio is particularly excited of the name change.
“Every time na nagpapalit ng name ‘yung team, nagtsa-champion kami,” Patrimonio said.
Magnolia coach Chiro Victolero is up to the task as he and his players embrace this new ray of light.
“This is a new challenge for us and we’re accepting it,” said Victolero. “We’re looking forward to the next season.”
“We want to build on what we achieved last season in terms of team chemistry and we aspire to be a serious contender for the title this coming Philippine Cup,” Victolero added.
From its historic Purefoods name, the franchise already underwent several facelifts as it carried names such as B-Meg Derby Ace, San Mig Coffee and Star in the past as well.
While the Hotshots made the semifinals in each of the three conferences last season, they failed to get over the hump and return to the big stage.
“We trust that the team’s winning culture will further bolster Magnolia Chicken as a brand, not only to its existing market, but also other untapped and less developed markets as well through an established league like the PBA,” said San Miguel Pure Foods Company, Inc. president Francisco S. Alejo III.
The team is one among those with the most titles in the league, capturing 13 titles including a grand slam in 2014.
The Magnolia Hotshots are composed of a mix of young talents and well-known veterans like Rafi Reavis, Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, PJ Simon, and Marc Pingris.
Team governor Rene Pardo, Alfrancis Chua and Robert Non of San Miguel Corp. were all present at the event. With Jospher de Leon