BOOSTED by a confidence-boosting unbeaten run in the off-season On Tour, Magnolia is determined more than ever in its bid in the season-opening PBA Commissioner’s Cup kicking off Nov. 5–to end a five-year title dry spell.
“Nuong 2018 pa kami huling nanalo,” Magnolia team governor Rene Pardo said last Tuesday, referring to the team’s Governors’ Cup title conquest over the now defunct Alaska franchise five years ago, during the pro league’s 48th season launch at the Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila.
“Kaya my instructions to the boys, championship or nothing else,” he added.
The Chito Victolero-mentored Hotshots completed an 11-0 sweep of the pro league’s pre-season meet last July but the Hotshots know that doesn’t mean anything, especially because other squads opted to rest their stars.
“That doesn’t say we will rest sa 11-0 run,” Pardo said.
Magnolia will parade 6-foot-7 Tyler Bey, who was chosen 36th overall by the Philadelphia Sixers in the NBA Draft three years ago.
Bey, 25, saw action for the Dallas Mavericks before suiting up for the Long Island Nets and the Rio Grande Valley Ripers in the G League.
He also played in Israel before linking up with the Hotshots.
Keeping its core intact, Magnolia will also bank on Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon, Jerrick Ahanmisi, and Abu Tratter.
The Hotshots opted not to sign their rookie picks in Anthony Peralta, Warren Bonifacio, and Christin Buñag.
Phoenix governor Raymond Zorilla, meanwhile, is convinced there will be a level playing field this season.
“All the teams have actually strengthened their lineups whether from the draft or free agency. So, the attribution of this and those teams, independent or what not, I think we have to veer away from that na kasi if you look at the team, they all strengthened,” Zorilla said.
“We will always be fighting regardless kahit sino we will be fighting so hopefully each team, and each protagonist will bring out the best from the other so that’s competition is all about.”
