AFTER a sweep of the PBA On Tour, all eyes are obviously on the Magnolia Hotshots heading to Season 48 two weeks from now.
The Hotshots have been installed as title favorite for the season-opening Commissioner's Cup by virtue of their unbeaten 11-0 record in the pre-season tournament three months ago.
Coach Chito Victolero kept the entire team together for the new season and tapped the services of former NBA player Tyler Bey to reinforce the Hotshots.
No wonder, the challenge to win the team's first championship in five years has been issued.
"My instruction to the boys is championship, nothing less," shared Magnolia governor Rene Pardo on what the multi-titled franchise is aiming for in the import-flavored conference.
Sponsored content: "We will see. Hopefully, I can be correct."
The Hotshots won't have any rookie player in their intact roster for the season that includes Paul Lee, Calvin Abueva, Jio Jalalon, Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca, Rome dela Rosa, Aris Dionisio, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Abu Tratter, Rafi Reavis, David Murrell, James Laput, Jed Mendoza, Russel Escoto, and newly-signed Joseph Eriobu.
Jackson Corpuz is in the injured/reserved list.
But basically, it's the same crew that went unbeaten in the On Tour which saw Magnolia winning by double digit margins except against NLEX (103-97) and Converge (99-95).
"The others, medyo naiwan," as Pardo puts it.
Sponsored content: Indeed, it would be a fitting follow up to such feat if the Hotshots will finally nail its first title since the 2018 Governors' Cup.
"Iniisip ko nga kung magpapa-dehado ako, pero I think I will be a hypocrite kung sasabihin ko na mahina yung team ko," said Pardo.
"That doesn't say na we will rest on that 11-0 run. We will go after that long championship na inaasam-asam ng Magnolia."
The Hotshots will open the season as they tangle with TNT Tropang Giga in the lone opening game on Nov. 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.(RG)
