ILOILO City – Already assured of the top spot in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots are still determined to go all out against Meralco Bolts on Saturday night at the University of San Agustin Gym here.
According to Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero, they wanted to win their remaining matches in the elimination round, including against the Bolts, as part of their preparation for the quarterfinals, where they have a twice-to-beat incentive.
“We want to achieve something at this conference and we’ll work harder to achieve that goal,” said Victolero, pertaining to PBA championship that the Hotshots last hoisted in 2018.
“Achieving a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals is not the end, this is only the start and we want to prepare hard mentally and physically for the playoffs,” added the one-time PBA champion coach.
“It’s a different story. We know that. There were lots of top seeds who didn’t make the Finals and there were sixth seeds or lower that went all the way and won the championship. It’s all about the proper mindset for the playoffs,” he further said.
According to Victolero, their remaining elimination round games will also be a good opportunity to let his veteran forward Calvin Abueva play and get his basketball groove back.
Abueva, who has been sidelined in the first part of the eliminations due to injury, made his return during their 88-80 victory over Converge FiberXers last December 23 where he tallied six points, seven rebounds, an assist, two steals, and a block.
“He adds to the energy, rebounding and toughness. We wanted Calvin to play so he can feel the real battle again,” said Victolero. “Although he had limited minutes, somehow, he’s getting the timing because that’s what was gone from him.”
Aside from Abueva, also part of the Hotshots team are import Tyler Bey, Paul Lee, Andy Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Jiovani Jalalon, James Laput, Rome dela Rosa and Abu Tratter.
Also members of the Hotshots team that will go to Iloilo are Aristotle Dionisio, Jackson Corpuz, Joseph Eriobu, Russel Escoto, Jonathan Jed Mendoza, David Murrell, and Rafi Reavis./PN
