PBA Free Agency: Magnolia signed 6-foot-8 free agent bigman Clifford Jopia

on

 


The Magnolia Hotshots have made a calculated addition to their roster, signing 6-foot-8 big man Clifford Jopia to bolster their interior presence. As the team looks to optimize its rotation for upcoming conferences, the arrival of the former San Beda standout adds a "tall and lanky" defensive profile that Magnolia hopes can develop into a more significant factor in their frontcourt strategy.

It is widely understood that Magnolia did not sign Jopia with the expectation that he will immediately assume a starting role. Instead, the move represents a long-term investment in a player who has shown the physical tools to disrupt opponents in the paint. While his current output in his young professional career has been modest, the Hotshots’ coaching staff clearly sees potential in his ability to grow into a more reliable rotation piece, or potentially, a future starter.

Fitting Into the Center Rotation

Jopia joins a Magnolia center rotation that already features established veterans and specialized big men:

  • Ian Sangalang: The anchor of the Hotshots’ frontline remains the primary option. Sangalang continues to be the team's most consistent offensive threat in the paint, posting averages of 11.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. His veteran savvy and ability to deliver in the clutch make him the clear leader of this rotation.

  • James Laput: Providing a different look, the 6-foot-10 Laput serves as the backup center. During his 2025-26 campaign, Laput averaged 15.3 minutes per game, contributing 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds. His role has been to provide size and energy off the bench, offering a secondary rim protector when Sangalang needs a breather.

For Jopia, the path forward is clear: he must capitalize on every opportunity to prove his worth in practice and during limited minutes. Magnolia has a proven track record of nurturing talent, and if Jopia can refine his defensive discipline and adapt to the team's system, he could become a valuable insurance policy—and eventually, a cornerstone—in their frontcourt hierarchy.

Comments

Post a Comment

NBA Trades: Who Really Won?

Loading trade...