Magnolia fielded in four imports in Glen Robinson III, Shabazz Muhammad, Rayvonte Rice and Jabari Bird in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero admitted that the squad's frequent import changes contributed to its doom in in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
Victolero shared this in the aftermath of the Hotshots' 113-103 loss to Rain or Shine in Game 5 of the quarterfinals that effectively ended their season-opening conference.
“Yes. It was affected by 'yung changing of imports,” said Victolero after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Magnolia switched reinforcements three times, beginning with Shabazz Muhammad replacing original choice Glen Robinson III.
But right when the Hotshots were already settled with Muhammad, the former NBA player suffered a knee injury after going for a dunk in practice.
“We’re settled with Shabazz. Shabazz can give us magandang options because of the experience and the talent,” said Victolero.
“But of course, 'di namin inaasahang magkaka-injury siya. We needed to get another one. 'Yun 'yung medyo nagpahirap sa'min.”
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Magnolia had no choice but to tap another import in Rayvonte Rice, who eventually had two subpar games for the Hotshots, forcing them to search for another who is tailor-fit for the team.
Enter Jabari Bird.
It was apparent that Bird was the answer for Magnolia after he debuted with 22 points, 13 rebounds and two assists in the squad's 121-69 shellacking of the Elasto Painters in Game 2.
“Noong na-injure si Shabazz, doon kami naghanap ng medyo mas mabilis. But we found someone na talagang makatutulong sa'min,” said Victolero, referring to Bird.
He was the perfect replacement import, Victolero thought.
However, Rain or Shine ended up sending off the Hotshots in their best-of-five affair that went the distance.
“We’re very thankful to Jabari for the opportunity na makalaro siya sa'min plus the fact na he gave everything,” Victolero said of Bird, who tallied 23 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and a block in Magnolia's Game 5 loss.
“Makikita mo rin naman kung gaano kaganda ang nilaro niya, kung gaano niya kagusto, 'yung effort. Very thankful at na-appreciate namin lahat ng ginawa niya.”
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The Hotshots are putting their disappointing quarterfinal loss behind as they take a three-week break before hitting the ground running anew for the Commissioner’s Cup.