Jio Jalalon –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Magnolia, a perennial bridesmaid in the PBA, is finally making tweaks to its roster, sending one of its old reliables for young, athletic talent.
The Hotshots on Monday pulled the trigger on a deal to send gutsy playmaker Jio Jalalon and forward Abu Tratter to NorthPort in exchange for incoming sophomore Zavier Lucero in a swap approved by the league that same afternoon.
In Lucero, Magnolia gains an energetic forward who could be a presence on both ends of the court. The Hotshots also get to inject a 24-year-old prospect to its aging core of Ian Sangalang (32), Paul Lee (35), Calvin Abueva (36), Mark Barroca (38) and Rafi Reavis (46).
The Hotshots won their last title in the 2018 Governors’ Cup and has settled for three second-place finishes since then.
NorthPort, in a separate deal, sent Ben Adamos to Barangay Ginebra in exchange for Sidney Onwubere, whose finest years were when he was playing for the Batang Pier.
The crowd darlings thus further boost its frontline after acquiring Isaac Go in a deal that shipped out Christian Standhardinger in a trade with Terrafirma on the eve of the Rookie Draft.
Meanwhile, the Inquirer has learned on Monday the groupings for the upcoming Governors’ Cup that will kick off the league’s 49th season.
Converge, Terrafirma, NorthPort, TNT, Magnolia and Meralco comprise Group A of the import-laden showcase pegged to unfurl Aug. 18.
Blackwater, Phoenix, NLEX, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel make up Group B of the tournament set to be bannered by returning Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee.
Teams in each group figure in a double round-robin and will send the top four teams to the playoffs, beginning with a crossover quarterfinal. INQ