MAGNOLIA coach Chito Victolero said the team is not closing the door on more player movements before the trading deadline following the Hotshots’ acquisition of Chris Banchero from Alaska.
Rumors continue to persist that Magnolia is not done trading after acquiring Banchero from Alaska in exchange for Robbie Herndon and Rodney Brondial, especially since the former only added to the glut in a loaded Hotshots backcourt.
Victolero declined to give a direct answer, only saying that no player is indispensable due to the nature of the business of professional basketball, pointing out that even former franchise players Mon Fernandez and James Yap ended up being traded.
“Wala naman ‘yung talagang nakaka-stay. Sabi nga ni boss Gov (Rene Pardo) nung isang araw sa amin, even the four-time MVP Ramon Fernandez was traded, even James Yap, the face of the team, na-trade," the Magnolia coach said.
"Ang sa amin lang, kung sino nandito sa amin, we try to maximize," he added. “That's being a professional. Kung ano man ‘yung mangyari, ready lang ang bawat isa."
Victolero said he has no knowledge of any moves the team may be planning before the trade deadline o November 8.
“We don’t know. Right now, wala namang movement kami," Victolero said. "But of course, walang nakakaalam kung ano mangyayari in the future. Even with the other teams, same thing.”
“Of course, we are very happy that even talaga ‘yung coaching staff, we are very happy, even the management, na nandito na si Chris,” he added.
The Magnolia coach, however, said the team will continue to find ways to improve, whether through trades or other means.
“Ang importante lang naman na ginagawa natin, mag-improve ‘yung team namin na tingin namin, ‘yun ang makakatulong. Everything na mag-iimprove ‘yung team, malaking bagay. We are just trying to be ready sa lahat,” said Victolero.