MANILA – Magnolia Hotshots has completed its lineup ahead the return of the postponed 2020 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup by signing Jessie Saitanan and rookie Aris Dionisio.
Saitanan and Dionisio, who came for Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) teams Bacolod and Manila, respectively, became the Hotshots’ 14th and 15th player in the roster.
Saitanan was finally able to earn his Magnolia spot after serving as one of the team’s practice players in the past two seasons. He will assume a backup role for veterans Jean Marc Pingris and Rafael Reavis.
“Practice player namin si Jessie (Saitanan) before he
asked permission to play in the MPBL,” Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero
said.
Saitanan also had stints with PBA teams NorthPort Batang Pier and Talk ‘N Text
KaTropa before.
Dionisio, on the other hand, was quickly signed up by Magnolia after his Manila Stars team bowed out in the playoffs round of the also postponed 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup.
“Diretso ako dito. Gustong-gusto kong makatulong sa Magnolia,” said Dionisio, who is the ninth overall pick in last year’s PBA draft. “‘Yung inaasam namin na championship sa MPBL, hindi namin nakuha. Sana pagkatiwalaan ako ni coach.”/PN
