By REYNALD MAGALLON
Magnolia’s offseason revamp continues, this time, acquiring sweet-shooting Javi Gomez De Liano from Terrafirma in exchange of Jerrick Ahanmisi.
The PBA trade committee approved the deal on Friday, Aug. 22 with the Hotshots getting a big wingman, who could fill the void left by William Navarro.
It has been a busy offseason for the Hotshots, who are entering a new era under new head coach LA Tenorio and team governor Jason Webb.
Gomez de Liano is coming off a stint with Anyang Jung Kwan Jang in the Korean Basketball League.
Prior to his move overseas, he was part of the core players of Terrafirma that last reached the quarterfinals alongside now San Miguel players Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig and Ginebra players Isaac Go and Stephen Holt.
At Magnolia, Gomez de Liano can form a potent young core with Zav Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa while also having veterans like Mark Barroca, Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang.
For Terrafirma, it was its first transaction since committing to stay in the PBA for its 50th Season after talks to sell the franchise to two prospective buyers bogged down.
The Dyip got Ahanmisi who entered the league brimming with potential although his career with the Hotshots never took off after playing behind the likes Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, previously Jio Jalalon and now Jerom Lastimosa.
The change of environment could help Ahanmisi to fully blossom especially after showing flashes of brilliance with his range when the four-point line was first introduced.
