Chris Koon made his Magnolia debut just days after his move from Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Chris Koon is getting a fresh start in his rookie year in the PBA.
Koon got shipped to Magnolia for Aris Dionisio after only playing five games with the Titan Ultra.
NorthPort, the franchise of which was acquired by the Giant Risers, picked him fourth overall in the recent draft.
The 6-foot-5 winger was just as shocked as most fans upon learning of the move but was also quick to say he is happy with where he is right now.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Magnolia acquires Chris Koon, ships Aris Dionisio to Titan Ultra]
“It was crazy. I’ve seen some rumors and stuff, but I didn’t think anything of it,” Koon said after Magnolia warded off Phoenix, 83-80, Friday, Oct. 31.
“Definitely, I’m shocked. But I’m happy with the situation I’m going into with Magnolia. I’m past that now, so I’m ready to get started.”
Asked how he sees himself fitting in, the former Ateneo standout pointed to his ability to defend multiple positions.
“I think, it’s kind of how I’ve always been playing, playing my role, whatever the team needs. For Magnolia, it’s being an anchor on defense and being able to hold my own, hit open shots. I didn’t hit one tonight; I missed a couple, which is fine," said Koon, who wound up with five points and one assist in his first game as a Hotshot.
"I think I’ve always wanted to be able to at least rely on my defense. It’s something I want to emphasize and be solid for coach LA (Tenorio) and for all of my teammates.”
Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio already sees Koon's impact to the team.
“Chris will be a big key to our team because he can play multiple positions,” Tenorio said during the post-game presser.
“Most probably, talagang magiging malaking factor si Chris sa'kin. Defensively, he’s going to be a big factor.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: LA Tenorio pleased with Magnolia’s defense vs ‘relentless’ Phoenix]
Koon could not help but feel blessed to be a part of the Hotshots noting their "good culture."
“Fresh start, feels good. Teammates have helped me a lot, coach LA, all the coaches, it’s great to be a part of it,” he said.
“Good culture. I’m really blessed to be able to come in to a situation like this with the type of people they have in here.”
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.