AT about this same time last year, Peter Alfaro was still trying out for a roster spot at Magnolia as a rookie free agent who never got signed after the PBA Season 49 draft.
Now, he'll be a big part of the future of a revamped Magnolia roster under new coach LA Tenorio heading to the golden season of Asia's first play-for-pay league.
Alfaro was locked by the Hotshots for the next three years after signing a new deal with the franchise on Tuesday.
READ Paolo Taha in the frame for Magnolia spot under ex-teammate Tenorio?
The former San Beda champion guard wouldn't confirm the length and terms of the deal, but SPIN.ph learned that indeed, Alfaro was given a fresh three-year pact.
Alfaro was beaming with delight when he signed the contract in the presence of his manager Danny Espiritu, Magnolia team manager Alvin Patrimonio and Tenorio.
"Hard work pays off talaga. Will just continue to grind," said the son of former PBA player Pedro Alfaro.
Alfaro was part of the new blood that Magnolia injected to its roster last season along with fellow rookie Jerom Lastimosa and sophomore big man Zavier Lucero.
Originally, he was tabbed by Terrafirma in the third round of the draft, but failed to get a contract with the franchise as he ended up being a rookie free agent.
He tried out with Magnolia and former coach Chito Victolero found a potential in him especially with Lastimosa - selected No. 9 by the team - still recovering from an ACL surgery and won't be available until mid-season.
Alfaro signed a one-year deal as a rookie.
But despite Magnolia failing to reach the semifinals of all three conferences last season, Alfaro was among the bright spots for the team, adding youth and vigor to an ageing backcourt anchored on Paul Lee and Mark Barroca, a fellow Zamboangueno of Alfaro.
Thanking God for the blessing, Alfaro said he's grateful for the trust given him by Magnolia management and the breaks provided by former coach Chito Victolero.
Now he looks forward to starting all over again under a new system with Tenorio at the helm.
This early, there's already a connection between player and coach.
"Bedista din si coach LA," said Alfaro of Tenorio, who spent his high years playing for legendary coach Ato Badolato at San Beda.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
