Ping, Rafi anchor Magnolia defense

MANILA, Philippines — Veterans Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis are expected to lead Magnolia’s charge on the defensive end when the PBA resumes the Philippine Cup that was suspended after only a game because of the coronavirus pandemic. Hotshots coach Chito Victolero said what will finally take the team to the next level is consistency in defense, coming from back-to-back bridesmaid finishes in the conference.

“The key is defense,” said Victolero. “Malaking factor yung dalawang bigs namin. Ping and Rafi anchor our defense. Hindi problema ang offense. Kung maganda ang defense, offense will follow. We’ve got a lot of two-way players. Ian (Sangalang), Paul (Lee), Jackson (Corpuz), Jio (Jalalon), Mark (Barroca), Rome (de la Rosa), Jio (Jalalon) at Justin (Melton), lahat sila capable to play defense and offense. Tingin ko, in process ang aming offense. It will only get better.”

Magnolia is the only team with a loss this season, bowing to San Miguel Beer, 94-78, when the Philippine Cup began at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last March 8. Then came the lockdown. Victolero pointed out that neither Pingris nor Reavis played in the game. “Si Ping, ‘di naglaro but mayroon na siyang go-signal from Dr. (George) Canlas to play after two or three more games,” he said. “Si Rafi had surgery sa appendix kaya still recovering. If they both played, our defense would’ve been tougher.”

Pingris, 38, and Reavis, 42, are among Magnolia’s seniors but Victolero said they’ll keep playing as long as they’re healthy. The only veteran retiring at the end of the season is PJ Simon, 39. “Rafi and Ping give us more ceiling,” said Victolero. “We brought in Jackson who’s a late bloomer. He was never drafted. ‘Di niya akalain na aabot siya sa PBA. He’s aggressive, a good rebounder and role player. He’s playing with more confidence, naka-adapt siya kaagad sa physicality ng laro.”

Aside from Corpuz, Victolero recruited rookie Aris Dionisio and returning Jessie Saitaman while placing rookie Alvin Capobres on reserve. “’Di nakalaro si Aris sa preseason kasi tinapos niya ang MPBL,” he said. “Kaya niya maglaro ng dos, tres o kwatro. He runs, can shoot but what I like most is his defense. Dating Defensive Player of the Year sa MPBL. Si Jessie, practice player namin before but he asked permission to play sa MPBL.” Victolero said all the players are staying safe at home during this crisis but Reavis is still awaiting notice when to fly back as he went to the US to attend his father’s funeral.