Newly appointed head coach LA Tenorio wasted no time securing off-the-bench players for his Magnolia Hotshots, re-signing integral pieces vital to the team’s success and future.
Fresh New Contracts for Alfaro, Escoto and Eriobu
Helping the Magnolia bench for the past conferences, Head Coach Tenorio gives steady guard Peter Alfaro, big man Russel Escoto and defensive forward Joseph Eriobu a chance to be part of something special.
According to spin.ph, the 2nd year guard Peter Alfaro signs a fresh new 3-year deal with the Hotshots after only signing a 1-year deal as a rookie.
Originally selected by the Terrafirma Dyip in last years’ PBA Rookie Draft in the 3rd Round, he was unsigned and found himself in the rookie Free Agent list.
Photo Credits: Spin.ph
And after trying out with the Hotshots, former Head Coach Chito Victolero found potential in the former champion of the San Beda University Red Lions. Plus considering Magnolia’s No. 9th pick, Jerom Lastimosa, was sidelined in the early months of his rookie year due to an ACL injury, Alfaro’s work ethic granted him the “substitute for the star rookie” role for his squad.
Despite not making it to the Finals, Peter’s game is slowly developing allowing the aging backcourt duo of Magnolia, Paul Lee and Mark Barroca, found their successors in Lastimosa and Alfaro.
“Hard work pays off talaga. Will just continue to grind,” said the son of former PBA player Pedro Alfaro.
Meanwhile, Russel Escoto receives a 2-year deal and Joseph Eriobu’s contract gets renewed for a season.
Photo Credits: Spin.ph
The upcoming 50th season will be the 5th season for the 32 year old Escoto. “New system ang pinag-aaralan ng team ngayon,” said the 6-foot-6 product of the FEU Tamaraws who originally was part of the Terrafirma Dyip but got traded to Magnolia for a 2nd round pick way back in 2021.
Photo Credits: Spin.ph
While the 33 year old Eriobu will now be playing his 3rd year for the franchise after spending some time for the Magnolia’s 3×3 team.
Unrestricted Agent Paolo Taha Signs a 2-Year Deal with Magnolia
Former champion for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and once upon a time a teammate of Head Coach LA Tenorio, seeks to revitalize his career at Magnolia after signing a 2-year deal.
Photo Credits: Spin.ph
According to Spin.ph, Paolo Taha became a Free Agent when his deal at the Northport Batang Pier expired at the end of last season way back in July 2025.
Taha and Head Coach LA won a championship for Ginebra during the 2017 Governor’s Cup. After that, he was traded to Globalport (now known as Northport) for Fil-Am Julian Surgent.
The 34 year old veteran guard made history for his previous team as according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, Taha spent eight-and-a-half seasons with NorthPort, making him the longest-staying player in franchise history.
Kirk Collier and Monch Gavieres Joins Magnolia Coaching Staff
Long time assistant coach and skills coach from Ginebra, Kirk Collier joins LA in Magnolia as well as Monch Gavieres, also a long time assistant coach for both Alaska and Terrafirma.
Another former member from the Ginebra squad, Collier joins his longtime player in making a new journey at Magnolia.Both Collier and Gavieres were under LA’s coaching staff when they competed in the SEABA Under-16 Championship handling the Gilas Pipinas Youth squad where they ultimately won the gold medal.
