His coach knows he could get more from the prized big man.
Abu Tratter made an impact right in his first game as a Magnolia Hotshot.
Traded from Converge FiberXers for a first round pick, Tratter was a “big help” for the Hotshots in their one-sided 117-83 win over Blackwater Bossing in the PBA on Tour on Sunday.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero had nothing but praise for his prized big man, who did a spectacular job manning the paint in the absence of injured Calvin Abueva (knee) and Ian Sangalang.
“For a start, I’m very happy nakatulong siya,” said Victolero after the match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“Malaking tulong siya on both ends of the floor. He’s a threat on offense, sa rebounding, and he’s a threat on the defensive end also.”
In his debut game, Tratter finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and an emphatic block on Tyrus Hill in the first half where Magnolia nailed a total of 11 triples to grab a commanding 68-30 lead at halftime.
Blackwater simply had no riposte against the Hotshots, whose biggest lead was 40, 72-32.
Despite the impressive debut, Victolero believes there are a lot of tricks up Tratter’s sleeves.
“I think madami pa siyang madadagdag dun. Kita niyo naman marami pang mistakes, may mga breakdowns din,” he said.
(GM)