ROOKIE Peter Alfaro felt at home at Magnolia right away. And Mark Barroca has a lot to do with that.
Both Alfaro and Barroca hail from Zamboanga City and the 38-year-old veteran guard could just be the perfect mentor for the upcoming freshman from San Beda.
“Kaya I’m very blessed to be here sa Magnolia,” said Alfaro of the chance to play behind a fellow Zamboangueno.
READ Rookie free-agent Peter Alfaro lands Magnolia roster spot
Alfaro was officially signed by the Hotshots over the weekend for the entire PBA Season 49 after trying out with the Purefoods franchise for almost two weeks.
Barroca was not around during the contract signing, but franchise legend and now team manager Alvin Patrimonio was the one who welcomed the young player represented by Danny Espiritu.
Alfaro was originally picked in the third round by Terrafirma at No. 27, but didn’t get to sign up with the Dyip.
Photo: Mark Barroca FB page
As part of the San Beda quartet of Damie Cuntapay, Clifford Jopia, and JV Gallego, Alfaro played for TNT during the preseason PBA On Tour last year.
While Cuntapay and Jopia opted to apply for the draft last year, Alfaro deferred moving up and stayed with San Beda for another season.
His decision turned out to be fine as he get to help the Red Lions regain the NCAA men’s basketball championship after beating the Mapua Cardinals in a best-of-three finals that went the full route.
Shortly after his collegiate stint, Alfaro signed up with the Zamboanga Valientes to toughen up and stay in top shape by going up against foreign teams while awaiting to apply for the Season 49 draft.
There were talks the Tropang Giga were interested to have Alfaro in their roster, but TNT didn’t have its first pick in the draft until at No. 31 – or four rung higher after being taken by Terrafirma.
His initial draft plan may not have panned out, but Alfaro is certainly happy where he is now.
PBA pedigree
Never mind that he’s been taken as provisional replacement for injured rookie Jerom Lastimosa and may end up in the far end of Magnolia’s backcourt playing behind Barroca, Paul Lee, and Jed Mendoza.
Alfaro just wants to prove that he belongs.
Unknown to many, he has a PBA pedigree as his father Pedro Alfaro played for N-Rich/Great Taste for one season in 1976.
“Relax lang yun si papa, but I’m sure very happy yun,” said Alfaro of his dad.
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