ROOKIE Michael Calisaan has yet to be signed by Magnolia but has been assured by management that he’s part of the team’s plans for the PBA’s 44th season.
The Hotshots has a one-year offer on the table for the former San Sebastian sensation, but the two sides have yet to agree on the worth of the total package.
“Nag-uusap pa kami, but yes (papipirmahin),” said team manager Alvin Patrimonio. “Included siya sa direction ni coach (Chito Victolero).”
Patrimonio said management earlier deferred negotiations with Calisaan as the Hotshots concentrated on the Governors Cup Finals against Alaska, which Magnolia eventually won in six games for their first championship in four years.
Both parties however, expect to reach an agreement after the New Year break.
The 6-foot-3 forward was Magnolia’s first-round pick (10th overall) in the last rookie draft. Victolero admitted the team had him on the radar and was not expecting he’d still be available late in the first round.
“Hindi namin ini-expect na nandoon pa si Michael. Akala namin sa top six siya babagsak. Kaya masaya kami na nakuha namin siya,” said Victolero, who is fresh from winning his breakthrough PBA championship.
Calisaan also happens to be the cousin of top Magnolia big man Ian Sangalang, also a product of San Sebastian.
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