The acquisition of Javi Gomez de Liaño may have summed up Magnolia’s desire to finally shed its “Introvoys” tag under new coach LA Tenorio.

Gomez de Liaño became the latest addition to the Hotshots after acquiring him from the lowly Terrafirma Dyip, who held his rights since departing for South Korea for a one-and-done stint with Anyang.

In getting Gomez de Liaño, the Hotshots gave up four-point specialist Jerrick Ahanmisi and a second-round pick in the coming Rookie Draft.

Magnolia has been making some changes since Tenorio was tapped to take over the coaching chores from Chito Victolero after nine seasons.

Tenorio brought in Kirk Collier from Barangay Ginebra as part of his staff, so was ex-Terrafirma assistant Monch Gavieres, even as Magnolia signed up former NorthPort guard Paolo Taha.

The Hotshots also handed out contract extensions to guard Peter Alfaro, who had a solid rookie year, and forwards Russel Escoto and Joseph Eriobu.

But Magnolia had to part ways with long-time center Rafi Reavis, who spent 15 of his 22 PBA seasons with the team, and Jed Mendoza, now trying to Earn a spot at Blackwater.

Mark Barroca, Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang are still around, so is rising star Zavier Lucero, who rose to prominence with his play in the Philippine Cup.

While William Navarro, acquired from NorthPort midway through the Philippine Cup, left for the Korean Basketball League, the addition of Gomez de Liaño is seen as a move to make up for that loss, given the way he performed during his last stint with Terrafirma.

Gomez de Liaño averaged 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 2024, which saw him play a vital part of Terrafirma’s unlikely run to the Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, the trade is one of the first moves Terrafirma made since deciding to play another season following failed negotiations to sell its franchise to Starhorse and the Zamboanga Valientes.

The Dyip own the first pick in the Draft.