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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Wednesday, November 29, 2017
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New name, new hope
MAGNOLIA Hotshots (formerly Star Hotshots) is hoping that the decision to change its name will bring back its lost championship mentality in the 2017-2018 PBA season, which will start next month.
Since winning four straight championships from 2013 to 2014 under then head coach Tim Cone, the Hotshots franchise never came close to another crown and had settled for semifinals finishes.
“Sobrang gutom na itong team na ito na manalo ng championship,” said Hotshots veteran Jean Marc Pingris. “Napako na kami sa semifinals kaya ngayon gusto naman namin na at least maka-finals.”
“Alam namin na mabibigat ang kalaban naming. Iyong ibang teams lalong lumalakas. Kaya ang panlaban lang namin iyong puso na gusto talaga naming manalo,” added the former Gilas Pilipinas big man.
Hotshots, which traced its roots from Coney Island and Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, is also one of the winningest franchise in the PBA, with 13 championships behind San Miguel Beermen (24) and Alaska Aces (14).
“Hopefully, we could improve our game because the players accepted the challenge. It’s not just for them but also for the staff to work hard,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero.
“The rebranding is a new challenge for the team,” he added. “For the upcoming season, we should not be content with just semifinals finishes. We should aim higher.”
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Despite changing its team name, Hotshots has maintained its core from last year’s squad with the addition of only two rookies – Filipino-American Robbie Herndon and Gwynne Capacio.
Hotshots recently renewed the contracts of veteran players Mark Andy Barroca, Rodney Brondial, Rafael Reavis, and Peter June Simon, who is planning to retire at the end of the season.
Also returning for Hotshots are Pingris, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, Justin Melton, Jio Jalalon, Riego Gamalinda, Aldrech Ramos, Rome dela Rosa, Kyle Pascual, and Mon Abundo.
Team Manager Alvin Patrimonio said he is hoping the franchise will duplicate its feat of winning the PBA championship every time the team changes its name.
When it was renamed B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados, from Purefoods Star, the team won the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup crown, while it captured a rare Grand Slam when it was again renamed San Mig Coffee Mixers in 2014.
“Iyan ang hamon sa team ngayon dahil kapag nagpapalit ng name ang franchise nagcha-champion,” Patrimonio said. “Nevertheless, it’s an exciting season ahead, with a new team name and a new logo. We are hoping for the best.”/PN
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