MANILA – Ilonggo Juan Paolo Taha has officially joined the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots ahead of the PBA’s 50th season by agreeing to a two-year deal.
The Hotshots announced the signing of the former College of St. Benilde Blazers guard on their social media pages recently.
The 34-year-old Taha’s move to Magnolia comes just days after he was released by his former team, the NorthPort Batang Pier.
The development also reunite Taha with former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings teammate LA Tenorio, now the head coach of the Hotshots.
The Ilonggo guard is known for his defensive grit and versatility, traits that could bolster Magnolia’s guard rotation.
Aside from adding Taha, Magnolia also announced the renewals of Russell Escoto, Peter Alfaro, and Joseph Eriobu ahead of the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Hotshots also announced the departure of Rafael Reavis, who was dropped by the team after 16 seasons.
The Filipino-American center joined the Magnolia franchise in 2009 through a three-team blockbuster trade involving Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Burger King Whoppers.
Over the course of his career, Reavis amassed 11 PBA championships — seven of them with the Hotshots, highlighted by their 2014 Grand Slam run. He also secured two titles each with the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Gin Kings.
The Hotshots are entering a new chapter in their franchise under head coach Tenorio, who was tapped in lieu of Chito Victolero./PN
