CHITO Victolero categorically denied he’s an extension of the Mapua coaching staff nor is he acting as a consultant for his alma mater which is trying to end a 33-year title drought in the 100th season of the NCAA.
Victolero, who is head coach of the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA, set the record straight amid sightings of him sitting behind the Cardinals bench most of the time. At some point, he would be seen talking to players and members of the coaching staff during games.
READ Mapua swoops into overall top seed after fending off Arellano
The PBA champion mentor describes himself as a spectator and supporter of his former college school where he played from 1992 onwards.
“Nanoood lang ako. I’m just supporting my alma mater,” said Victolero after the Cardinals clinched the No. 1 seed for the second straight season thanks to a 75-69 win over Arellano during the final day of the two-round elimination.
The Cardinals finished with a 15-3 record counting a nine-game sweep of the second round.
“I just want to enjoy the NCAA, para pagbalik ko (sa PBA) medyo fresh na ulit. I’m just really supporting the team lalo na ngayon kailangan ko ng mag-refresh uli in preparation for the second conference.”
Curiously, one of Victolero’s deputies at Magnolia, Tonyboy Espinosa, is part of Mapua’s coaching staff under Randy Alcantara.
Victolero said it was Alcantara who took in Espinosa to be among his assistant coaches on the sidelines.
“Yes, si Tony Boy kinuha siya ni coach Randy, pero ako I’m just an avid fan,” he said.
The 48-year-old coach, who once called the shots for the Intramuros-based school, said his presence during games is also his way of showing support to Alcantara, a former teammate and close friend.
“Randy and I go a long, long way. Since our college days pa (at Mapua), and we’re also teammates with San Juan (Knights),” said Victolero. “He’s my kumpare, inaanak ko yung anak niya, and inaanak niya yung anak ko. Kumbaga, sobrang magkaibigan kami niyan, parang magkapatid na kami niyan.”
Victolero added he doesn’t attend practices of the Cardinals, but would give his two cents whenever Alcantara seeks his advice.
“Whenever libre ako, I try na sumuporta kay coach Randy, kasi lagi rin naman nakasuporta sa akin yan,” said the native of Santa Maria, Bulacan who was a second round pick at No. 13 overall by Sta. Lucia in the 2002 rookie draft.
“And besides, yung puso namin sa Mapua naman talaga kasi malaki ang naitulong sa amin ng school from our college days.”
Cardinals' ambition
The Cardinals are looking to make it back to the championship round after making the finals twice in the last three seasons.
Last year, the top-seeded Cardinals were just a win away from finally regaining the title they last won yet in 1991. Unfortunately, the San Beda Red Lions beat them twice in a row and denied them of the crown.
Victolero hopes Mapua’s fortunes will finally change for the good this time.
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