Ominous sign for Magnolia

MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia has zoomed to its best start in three conferences this season but coach Chito Victolero said yesterday it’s not time to celebrate the Hotshots’ 3-0 streak in the PBA Philippine Cup. In the previous Commissioner’s Cup, Magnolia got off to a 1-4 start and before that, 1-2 in the Governors’ Cup.

But there’s reason to be upbeat. “We’re happy for our good and strong start but it’s too early to tell kasi we expect challenges sa susunod na games,” said Victolero, tempering expectations. “But compared to our last conference, mas maganda ang start ngayon because we’re healthy.”

Victolero said adjustments were a contributing factor. “First, defensive pressure kasi we want to dictate the game with our defense and our motion offense to give our players equal opportunity to score,” he said. “We give emphasis on ball movement to create assists and limit or minimize our turnovers.”

Tinkering with the starting lineup and building up the second unit were also key adjustments. Zavier Lucero, Jerom Lastimosa, Paul Lee and Calvin Abueva come off the bench while Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Russell Escoto and Peter Alfaro are first fivers. Aris Dionisio and Rome de la Rosa take turns starting.

“Actually, we don’t have regular starters, it depends sa game plan,” said Victolero. “Nagkakataon lang, these guys off the bench give us energy on both ends. Calvin and Zavier are energy guys. Paul and Jerom do a good job of creating plays and leading the team. Our starters show good example to play hard and determination then the bench follows. Peter and Jerom compete hard at practice to push our veterans. Same with Lucero and Escoto. Sangalang is also playing very well. In all honesty, everyone is working hard and buying in sa preparation ng coaches.”

It’s been 13 conferences since Magnolia won a title in the 2017-18 Governors’ Cup and Victolero said the Hotshots are out to end the drought. “We’re very motivated to have a chance to win another championship and we want to work hard because All-Filipino is the most prestigious conference,” he said. Magnolia’s next game is against Phoenix in Zamboanga City on Saturday.