WILL Vince Magbuhos proved to be another second-round gem for Meralco?
The Bolts certainly hope so after signing the former UAAP standout from Adamson to a two-year contract beginning in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-5 Fil-Italian was picked no. 19th overall by Meralco in the Season 50 draft, a late selection which the team wishes would turn out to be another case of Bong Quinto or Aaron Black.
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Quinto was a 2018 second round pick, picked 14th while Black was the 18th pick in the 2019 draft.
Both are now a huge part of Meralco’s rotation, with Quinto winning his first ever PBA championship along with the franchise during the Season 48 Philippine Cup. Black unfortunately, was injured back then.
Coach Luigi Trillo said the team is viewing Magbuhos’ case in the same manner.
“Were excited because we’ve had a lot of second rounders evolve with us. Bong and Aaron. Even our late first rounders have contributed and developed well with us. CJ and Brandon are a part of our core now,” Trillo said, who sat as television guest panel during Game 3 of the Philippine Cup finals between San Miguel and TNT.
Of course, the jury is still out on Magbuhos.
“It remains to be seen if he can adapt and adjust to the PBA kind of play, but I think for a second rounder to go that late in the draft, our whole coaching staff was happy we got to draft him.”
The Bolts actually had an idea what the big man out of Adamson could bring to the table, having invited him for a workout prior to the draft.
And Trillo admitted liking what he saw.
“We brought him into our practice before the draft with some other draftees to see them up close,” he recalled.
“Our whole staff saw that he could stretch the floor for us, decent three-point shooter. In the UAAP and MPBL he looked like he was trying to make the right decision whether of dribble hand offs or pick and rolls,” added the Meralco coach. “He seems like he has decent lateral movement defensively. High basketball IQ.”
But as in any incoming rookies, Magbuhos has to earn his spurs at Meralco.
“We hope Vince can help us. He has to earn it in practice, and when coach Nenad gives him his opportunity,” said Trillo.
Magbuhos finished his MPBL contract with the Quezon Huskers before signing with Meralco.
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