MAGNOLIA boosted its frontline after acquiring big man Abu Tratter from Converge in a trade consummated on Friday.
Magnolia acquires Abu Tratter
The FiberXers also packaged slam dunk champion David Murrell as part of the trade in exchange for the Hotshots' Adrian Wong and the team's first-round pick in the coming draft.
The trade has been approved by the Commissioner's Office.
Acquiring the 6-foot-5 Tratter gives Magnolia added depth in the frontcourt especially with long-time big man Ian Sangalang still recovering from a thyroid illness.
Tratter of course, was a player of Converge coach Aldin Ayo at La Salle and for a while, served as the team's primary option inside along with rookie Justin Arana.
But his playing minutes dwindled when the team acquired Barkley Ebona in a trade with Balackwater.
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The addition of Murrell also added athleticism to the Hotshots' wing, that includes Calvin Abueva, Rome Dela Rosa, and Russel Escoto.
In acquiring Tratter, once a part of the Gilas Pilipinas training pool, Magnolia had to give up Wong, a player who coach Chito Victolero admitted the Hotshots once pursued during the 2019 draft but was beaten to the draw by Rain or Shine.
The Hotshots eventually locked up the 6-foot-3 Fil-Am out of Ateneo when he was released by the Elasto Painters.
Just last month, Wong was adjudged the MVP of the rookie-sophomore-junior game when he helped Team Greats beat Team Stalwarts, 158-138.
With Magnolia's first-round pick included in the deal, Converge will now have two first-round picks in the rookie draft set this September.
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