PBA: ‘Committed’ Magnolia Hotshots ready for Season 48

MANILA, Philippines—The Magnolia Hotshots are more than prepared to take on the challenge of competing with other big guns in the upcoming PBA 48th season.

And they have the PBA On Tour tournament to thank for that.

According to coach Chito Victolero, the preseason gave the Hotshots an important team value that they’d bring into the season-opening Commissioners’ Cup tournament.

“[We got] the commitment; the commitment of the whole team and every player. Before the start of the preseason, we talked about that commitment and the improvement of every aspect of their games not only on the stats but things outside of it,” said Victolero during the league’s Media Day at One Esplanade in Pasay on Wednesday.

“Effort, composure and patience in the officials, those are what we improved, those things that aren’t in the stats.”

That same commitment gave Magnolia an impressive run in the preseason where they went undefeated after 11 games.

The biggest example of the team’s newfound commitment from the players is the fact that stars like Calvin Abueva, Jio Jalalon and even Paul Lee played in the preseason despite not necessarily needing to be fielded.

Don’t be fooled, though, since Victolero is still very much concerned about what the stat sheet would say come next season, but he’s just going to let the improvement happen naturally.

“Stats like rebounds, turnovers, points, etc., those will come. I’m just very happy with the way we played in the preseason and hopefully, we bring it this season. That’s the goal.”

Tyler Bey as import

The Hotshots won’t be alone in trying to win the 2023 Commissioners’ Cup, as they will have the reinforcement of 2020 NBA second rounder Tyler Bey to back them up.

Victolero had nothing but praise for the 6-foot-7 wingman.

“His attitude and character are very impressive because this kid doesn’t complain. His work ethic is really good, whatever the local players are doing [in practice], he’s doing as well. You can still get a whole lot from his talent.”

With a Defensive Player of the Year award in the NCAA’s PAC-12 to boot, Bey caught Victolero’s attention, seeing as how he would fit with the squad’s defensive mindset.

However, the head tactician admitted that there are still a lot of things to improve on for Bey.

“I think what he needs is the actual experience of games here. That’s the adjustment, along with the physicality and the chemistry with the locals. The talent’s there, though.”