Fellow Zamboangueno Barroca makes rookie Alfaro feel at home at Magnolia

Barroca could be the perfect mentor for Magnolia freshman
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ROOKIE Peter Alfaro felt at home at Magnolia right away. And Mark Barroca has a lot to do with that.

Both Alfaro and Barroca hail from Zamboanga City and the 38-year-old veteran guard could just be the perfect mentor for the upcoming freshman from San Beda.

“Kaya I’m very blessed to be here sa Magnolia,” said Alfaro of the chance to play behind a fellow Zamboangueno.

Alfaro was officially signed by the Hotshots over the weekend for the entire PBA Season 49 after trying out with the Purefoods franchise for almost two weeks.

Barroca was not around during the contract signing, but franchise legend and now team manager Alvin Patrimonio was the one who welcomed the young player represented by Danny Espiritu.

Alfaro was originally picked in the third round by Terrafirma at No. 27, but didn’t get to sign up with the Dyip.

Photo: Mark Barroca FB page

As part of the San Beda quartet of Damie Cuntapay, Clifford Jopia, and JV Gallego, Alfaro played for TNT during the preseason PBA On Tour last year.

While Cuntapay and Jopia opted to apply for the draft last year, Alfaro deferred moving up and stayed with San Beda for another season.