After a successful campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association On Tour, hopes are high for Magnolia as it parades a young import in Tyler Bey for the coming Commissioner’s Cup.
Hotshots coach Chito Victolero said the 25-year-old Bey has the energy, the talent and the attitude to lead them to their first title in five years when the season-opening conference fires off on 5 November at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Victolero said Bey can take them to the next level.
The 6-foot-7 Bey is a former Colorado star who was selected in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2020 NBA Draft and saw action for the Dallas Mavericks after being part of the trade package that also involves Josh Richardson for Seth Curry.
He is a highly-skilled and versatile forward who had already developed great chemistry with his local teammates, including new players like Abu Tratter and David Murrell.
“I think he can carry us to the next level. I was so impressed by his attitude, his character. He doesn’t complain. His work ethic is exceptional. He does all the things our local players have been doing,” Victolero said.
“He is very talented and we know he can offer a lot to the table. What he needs to do right now is to get more experience from the PBA style of play and adjust to the physicality and chemistry with the locals. But his attitude, his work ethic, his talent — they’re already there.”
Magnolia will be coming in prepared with the addition of Tratter and Murrell as well as Joseph Eriobu, who landed a regular roster spot after a strong performance in 3×3.
It’s been a while since the Hotshots raised the PBA title and Victolero stressed that they are determined to win the title after sweeping the pre-season tournament.
“The last time we won a championship was 2018 and the last time we were in the finals was two years ago in the bubble,” said Victolero, who will also bank on stars like Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon and Calvin Abueva.
“We want to experience again what it’s like to be in the finals or winning the championship and we’re one page on that mission and the goal is to win the title. But it will start in our first step, emphasis on training, preparation and hopefully, we can achieve our goal with the addition of our new guys.”
