Magnolia has tapped the services of American forward KJ Buffen to serve as its import for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup that commences July 10.
Head coach LA Tenorio confirmed the signing on Wednesday, shortly after his new signing was measured — and made the under 6-foot-6 height limit for imports in the season-ending conference — at the league’s office in Libis, Quezon City.
Measured at 6’5″ 13/16 per the technical committee, the Georgia-native is fresh off a stint with the RANS Simba Bogor in the Indonesian Basketball League.
He averaged 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, leading his team to the playoffs before bowing to eventual finalists Pelita Jaya in the first round.
The 26-year-old pro out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham also had stints in Finland and New Zealand before taking his talents to Asia.
Soon, he’ll be making his Philippines debut for one of the PBA’s most popular teams, which is looking to break through in the semis under Tenorio.
The Hotshots came close in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup when they went on a heater run. But the team ultimately fell short after losing to Marvin Jones and Meralco in their do-or-die encounter in the quarterfinals.
Buffen is among the confirmed imports for the Governors’ Cup, which appears crowded with returning reinforcements based on the others’ picks.
San Miguel is bringing in former Blackwater super scorer George King, as first reported by Tiebreaker Times on Wednesday as well.
Rain or Shine has brought back league veteran Aaron Fuller.
NLEX is also running it back with Dequan Jones.
