Magnolia Hotshots get huge boost as Rafi Reavis returns

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Magnolia Hotshots will get much-needed reinforcement in their quest for a PBA Governor’s Cup title as veteran center Rafi Reavis is back in the Philippines and is ready to play.

Reavis is set to play his first game in the Governor’s Cup after missing the first three games due to his unvaccinated status.

Now that Magnolia’s anchor in the paint has received the full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Reavis is ready to play at full strength with the PBA returning this February 11.

Head coach Chito Victolero announced Reavis’ arrival and also confirmed that he already participated in several team workouts and training sessions upon his arrival in the first week of January.

The 44-year-old vet is also seeking to win his 12^th PBA championship and proved to be one of the most efficient and steady performers during his 20-year career in professional basketball.

Reavis was selected by the Coca-Cola Tigers in the 2002 PBA Rookie Draft but was shipped to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel where he grew into an enforcer and a premier shot-blocker in the league.

Even up to this date at 44-years-old, Reavis showed he can still perform at a high level and was vital during Magnolia’s 2021 PBA run where they reached the grand finals in the All-Filipino Cup.

Despite the loss against the TNT Tropang Giga, Reavis didn’t hesitate to come back and make another run for the title together with Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, and Ian Sangalang.

The PBA is yet to come up with its final playing schedule once it resumes its halted season but the teams are continuing their tune-up games.