PBA: ‘Dedicated’ Magnolia Hotshots prepared for Season 48

FILE PHOTO–Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—The Magnolia Hotshots are greater than ready to tackle the problem of competing with different large weapons within the upcoming PBA 48th season.

They usually have the PBA On Tour match to thank for that.

In accordance with coach Chito Victolero, the preseason gave the Hotshots an necessary workforce worth that they’d carry into the season-opening Commissioners’ Cup match.

“[We got] the dedication; the dedication of the entire workforce and each participant. Earlier than the beginning of the preseason, we talked about that dedication and the advance of each facet of their video games not solely on the stats however issues exterior of it,” mentioned Victolero throughout the league’s Media Day at One Esplanade in Pasay on Wednesday.

“Effort, composure and endurance within the officers, these are what we improved, these issues that aren’t within the stats.”

That very same dedication gave Magnolia an impressive run within the preseason the place they went undefeated after 11 video games.

The most important instance of the workforce’s newfound dedication from the gamers is the truth that stars like Calvin Abueva, Jio Jalalon and even Paul Lee performed within the preseason regardless of not essentially needing to be fielded.

Don’t be fooled, although, since Victolero continues to be very a lot involved about what the stat sheet would say come subsequent season, however he’s simply going to let the advance occur naturally.

“Stats like rebounds, turnovers, factors, and so forth., these will come. I’m simply very proud of the best way we performed within the preseason and hopefully, we carry it this season. That’s the aim.”

Tyler Bey as import

FILE–Magnolia Hotshots import Tyler Bey throughout his time with the Dallas Mavericks within the NBA. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos/AFP

The Hotshots gained’t be alone in attempting to win the 2023 Commissioners’ Cup, as they’ll have the reinforcement of 2020 NBA second rounder Tyler Bey to again them up.

Victolero had nothing however reward for the 6-foot-7 wingman.

“His angle and character are very spectacular as a result of this child doesn’t complain. His work ethic is de facto good, regardless of the native gamers are doing [in practice], he’s doing as properly. You’ll be able to nonetheless get a complete lot from his expertise.”

With a Defensive Participant of the 12 months award within the NCAA’s PAC-12 as well, Bey caught Victolero’s consideration, seeing as how he would match with the squad’s defensive mindset.

Nonetheless, the top tactician admitted that there are nonetheless loads of issues to enhance on for Bey.

“I feel what he wants is the precise expertise of video games right here. That’s the adjustment, together with the physicality and the chemistry with the locals. The expertise’s there, although.”