Magnolia Hotshots. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson
The Star Hotshots is now the Magnolia Hotshots.
The Purefoods management announced the news on Monday in a press conference at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
“It’s a challenge for the team because every time we switch names, we always become champions,” said Magnolia team manager Alvin Patrimonio. “It’s an exciting season again with a new logo and a new team name.”
Coach Chito Victolero said that the Hotshots are more than ready to live up to the task as they enter the 43rd season of the PBA with high expectations.
“It’s a new challenge, not just for me but the whole coaching staff and the players. But we’ll work hard so that we could improve our team,” he said.
The Hotshots are coming off a successful season where the team reached the semifinals in all three conferences.
Magnolia last trotted out a team in the PBA back in 2008, where the now-San Miguel Beermen played under the name of Magnolia Beverage Masters.