MANILA, Philippines—Mark Barroca has been a Purefoods lifer and he marked his 10th year with the club with a fresh deal that would keep him in the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Still one of the league’s most speedy guards, the 34-year-old Barroca has been an indelible mark with Magnolia and is the team’s cornerstone in terms of point guard play.
“I’m happy that I signed once more,” said Barroca in Filipino. “Huge thanks to the management because they signed me again for three more years.”
Barroca was the fifth overall pick in the 2011 Draft, which is otherwise known as the Gilas Draft, but his original team Shopinas immediately dealt him to Magnolia in a three-team deal that also involved Barako Bull.
He’s since won six titles with the Hotshots, including the 2014 Grand Slam.
A steady presence either as a starter or substitute, Barroca averaged 11.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 steals a game in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.
His steals average was also the top in the league for the shortened season.
Barroca also thanked the support of his San Miguel Corporation bosses, including President Ramon S. Ang and athletic director Alfrancis Chua.
“I’d like to thank Boss RSA, Boss Alfrancis, Governor Rene Pardo, and of course team manager Alvin Patrimonio for this. I should play to the best of my abilities to further help the team. Of course, I’d also like to thank my manager Ed Ponceja,” said Barroca.
“Of course, huge thanks to coach Chito Victolero for always trusting in me.”