Magnolia has learned to tune out the outside noises and criticisms for falling short of winning the crown since its last Philippine Basketball Association championship six years ago.
“We don’t mind that. We just work hard. We respect the opinions of other people. We’ll just work hard to get another opportunity to be back in the finals,” Hotshots coach Chito Victolero said.
The Hotshots brush off getting called names just because of unfortunate campaigns where they came inches short of lifting a title.
Magnolia ended runner-up in the Commissioner’s Cup, dropping a 2-4 finals series against powerhouse San Miguel Beer last month.
Since winning the 2018 Governors’ Cup, the Hotshots only made it back to the finals thrice — all in the Philippine Cup — where they lost to San Miguel twice including the 2019 series and to TNT in the 2021 edition.
“Whatever they say against us, ‘intro-boys’ whatever they say, we know what we have achieved,” Victolero said.
Using their misfortune in the previous conference, a very motivated and pumped-up Hotshots marched into the 2024 Philippine Cup seeking redemption.
Although the last team to see action in the All-Filipino contest, Magnolia made the most of its lone game before the All-Star and Holy Week break to send a strong message to the rest of the field.
The Hotshots displayed their might on both ends of the court to blast Converge in a 106-75 blowout last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Victolero is delighted in what he saw in his wards in the league’s return to the 90-year-old arena after four decades.
“I always say this, I like our chances because I see my players’ great work ethic. I’m very confident and I trust them on how they would execute our preparation for this conference,” Victolero said.
It was a total team effort shown by the Hotshots with healthy Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca putting up double-digit scoring.
The backcourt tandem of Jalalon and Barroca, on the other hand, anchored Magnolia’s scrappy defense with five steals each.
The Hotshots are at second spot behind the Beermen (2-0) in the standings as the league takes a ceasefire.
“Although we fell short last conference, I’m still proud of them. Very happy because out of the 12 teams, we were the No. 2 team. There are no words for that, it’s a blessing. But of course, we want to achieve more, we want to achieve that championship. (But) it’s not easy,” Victolero said.
“We’ll try again this time. It’s a good start for us. As I told them before, as long as we start strong, we’ll have a good chance.”
Magnolia will have a two-week layoff before charging back into battle in a marquee match against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Easter Sunday, 31 March, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
