Head coach Chito Victolero believes title favorite Magnolia would still have its hands full when it takes on a TNT Tropang Giga squad minus its original import when the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup gets off the ground today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Energized by its 11 straight wins in the preaseason PBA on Tour, the Hotshots remain wary of the Tropang Giga.
Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will be sidelined owing to gastroenteritis and acid reflux and would only be suiting up for the team after two weeks so he can fully recover.
Taking his place temporarily is Quincy Miller, who will beef up the Hotshots in their 7 p.m. encounter with the Tropang Giga.
Miller beat the league’s noon on Saturdayt deadline after finally being released by his former team Converge, whose coaching staff had a falling out with the American reinforcement during last season’s Commissioner’s Cup.
Miller, also one of TNT’s imports in the East Asia Super League, passed the 6-feet-9 height limit.
Though Miller’s style of play differs from Hollis-Jefferson, Victolero feels it won’t matter given TNT’s solid reputation and his own squad’s obvious disadvantages.
“We were preparing for TNT because we know that they’re a champion team and even though they’re missing key players, they’re still a solid team,” Victolero said.
“We were more concerned about our preparations, trying to get the new guys more familiar with our system,” he said.
Joining Magnolia for the first time are new recruits Abu Tratter, Dave Murrell, Joseph Eriobu, who was just elevated from the 3×3 squad, and import Tyler Bey, a young and energetic import making his PBA debut.
“The good thing is, we were able to prepare early, but the new players are still adjusting. We’ll be a better team as the tournament progresses.”
Before hostilities kick off, the PBA will hold an opening ceremony that will be spiced up by the presence of team muses.
Among the muses expected to make heads turn are Heaven Peralejo of Barangay Ginebra, Harlene Budol of Blackwater, Julie Anne San Jose of Magnolia and Atasha Muhlach of TNT.
Also in the lineup are Yskaela Yaena Fujimoto of Converge, Kaizen dela Serna of Meralco, Vannesa Gandler of NLEX, Angel Santos of NorthPort, Yuki Takahashi of Phoenix, Mary Jane Encabo and Jennelle Noblezada of Rain or Shine, Franki Russell of San Miguel Beer and Saira Khan of Terrafirma.
The annual Leo Awards will follow as the league fetes the top performers of the season just passed, giving awards to this year’s Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player.
Also being handed out are awards for Sportsmans, Mythical First and Second Teams and the All-Defensive Team.
