A new era dawns for the Hotshots

After using the name “Star Hotshots” since 2015, the franchise — which traces its lineage to Purefoods — will enter the 43rd season of the PBA under the brand Magnolia.

“Pressure ito sa amin dahil tuwing nagpapalit kami ng pangalan, lagi kaming nag-cha-champion,” said Magnolia’s team manager Alvin Patrimonio, who has been with the franchise since 1988, in a torch passing ceremony by the Star group to Magnolia on Monday.

“Exciting ito dahil bagong season, bagong logo, bagong pangalan.”

Star finished in the semifinals in all three conferences last year.

For incoming second-year head coach Chito Victolero, he believes that they will still play with the same intensity game in and game out, even if the name on their fronts has changed.

“Bagong challenge ito sa amin, hindi lang sa amin as coaches, kung hindi pati sa mga players,” he said.

“Paghihirapan namin ito para ma-improve ang team namin.”