In a bid to add more youth, the Magnolia Hotshots acquired PBA lottery pick Chris Koon from the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in exchange for Aris Dionisio.
Magnolia’s youth movement is gaining even more momentum.
Just two months after trading for Javi Gomez de Liano, the Hotshots have made another move and acquired rookie Chris Koon in a deal that sent Aris Dionisio to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
This was confirmed by a One Sports source with direct knowledge on the matter.
Koon, the fourth overall pick in the recent PBA Draft, continues the team’s shift toward a younger, more dynamic roster under the leadership of LA Tenorio — his fellow Ateneo alumnus.
In his first five games this season with Titan Ultra, Koon averaged 7.6 points and 4.0 rebounds.
He now joins a promising core that includes Xavier Lucero and Gomez de Liano, blending youthful energy with the proven leadership of Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, and Paul Lee.
[ALSO READ: Mark Barroca shines at endgame for Magnolia: 'Whatever it takes']
The Hotshots are currently tied with Converge, NLEX, TNT, and Rain or Shine for a league-best 3-1 record.
On the other hand, Dionisio bids farewell to the team that drafted him ninth overall in 2019.
An All-Star last season, the 30-year-old forward played 165 career games for Magnolia, averaging 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and shooting 38.3% from three.
He now reunites with former teammate Calvin Abueva at Titan Ultra, a team eager to snap out of a four-game skid after a strong opening win against Meralco.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.