Jerrick Ahanmisi turned in a career high night to tow Magnolia back to the win column against lowly Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Sunday, Sept. 1.
To say that Magnolia guard Jerrick Ahanmisi is a workhorse is an understatement.
Just ask Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero.
“Actually, kami pa nga pumipigil diyan minsan. Kasi early morning, he will shoot, then after practice, shooting pa rin,” said Victolero of his ward.
“We want him na sana mag-rest para mayroon siyang energy sa game. Pero, you know, hindi namin mapigil, eh.”
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Ahanmisi's hard work has finally paid off in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
He currently leads the locals in four-pointers made with seven, four of which coming from his career-high night against Terrafirma on Sunday, Sept.1 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
His 24 points fueled Magnolia's 124-103 bounce-back win over the hapless Dyip.
Ahanmisi acknowledges the positive outcome of the consistent work he pours in day in and day out, but also recognizes the contribution of his teammates and coaches in his growth.
“I think it’s just about my consistent work every day, trying to improve. Also being open to learning from the team. They’re really open to teaching and guiding me on how I can get better both ends of the floor,” said Ahanmisi.
Victolero cannot help but be proud of the Magnolia’s 10th overall pick in the 2020 Rookie Draft.
“Lumalabas 'yung mga ginagawa niya sa extra practice niya. Of course, we’re very happy, especially the coaching staff, na 'yung patience namin sa kanya lumabas na,” said Victolero.
[WATCH: Magnolia rebounds with rout of Terrafirma | PBA Highlights]
But that progress should not stop here, especially on the defensive end.
As Ahanmisi's offense is clicking nowadays, Victolero, whose team takes pride in defense, said they are trying to turn Ahanmisi into a two-way player.
“I always told him it’s all about the two-way; it’s all about defense and his offense. Wala namang question sa opensa niya,” Victolero said.
“We try to build Jerrick to be a two-way player. We want him to learn how to play point guard, two-guard."
With the way things are going, that does not seem far-fetched.