The Hotshots are hoping that Bey is the missing piece in their championship aspirations.
The Magnolia Hotshots have found their import for the upcoming PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Coach Chito Victolero confirmed that Colorado Buffaloes’ standout Tyler Bey has officially signed with the Hotshots.
Bey is scheduled to arrive in the second week of September.
But even now, Victolero is already oozing about Bey's potential.
"Bagay siya sa amin, athletic at bata," said Victolero on the PBA’s website."He can also play either shooting guard or small forward, and he has an inside-outside game.”
The 25-year-old Bey was selected 36th overall in the 2020 NBA draft and briefly saw action for the Dallas Mavericks.
Bey then bounced around in the G-League before signing with the Ironi Ness Ziona of the Israeli Basketball Premier League in 2022.
In 27 games for Ironi Ness Ziona, Bey averaged 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Aside from his inside presence on offense, Bey is also known for his defensive prowess, which prompted Magnolia to snap up his services.
"Naging Defensive Player of the Year siya sa Pac-12 (in the US NCAA), so tingin namin babagay siya talaga sa sistema namin," said Victolero.
Despite the maximum height limit of imports being 6-foot-9, Magnolia seems content with their frontline players, which include the notably improved James Laput, the experienced Rafi Reavis, and the returning Ian Sangalang.
Should Bey live up to Victolero's expectations, the 6-foot-7 wing could be the missing piece in Magnolia’s title hopes. The team is looking to end its dry spell as it last won a championship back in the 2018 Governors' Cup.
Coming into the new season, the Hotshots’ confidence should be at an all-time high after a dominant campaign during the PBA On Tour.
(MDB)