STAR coach Chito Victolero plans to use the PBA All-Star break to contemplate whether or not Tony Mitchell is still the right import who can lead the Hotshots to a deep postseason run in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Mitchell has shown flashes of his brilliance early in the midseason tournament, but has been erratic of late, fouling out in the last two games and almost doing the same three games back, although still averaging 20.3 points, 11.7, and 2.3 blocks, against four turnovers in that span.
“Right now, all the teams in the PBA, ito yung time na ia-assess namin yung imports namin kung kailangan namin sila to stay or what,” Victolero said after the team’s 96-90 win over Blackwater on Saturday. “’Di lang kami, even the other teams, yan ang gagawin nila. Kung ano ang best para sa team."
“Kung tingin namin na si Tony yung makakapagdala sa amin sa playoffs, he will stay,” he added. “Pero kung tingin namin kailangan namin ito, gagawin namin yun. I’m always positive.”
[See Star sizzles late to avoid upset against hot-shooting Canaleta, Blackwater]
Mitchell came in late due to traffic on Saturday and made up for it by tallying 17 points, 15 boards, two blocks, one assist, and one steal against six turnovers off the bench before fouling out after just 29 minutes of play.
“Si Tony, kailangan niya lang mag-adjust pero ia-assess namin sya during the break,” Victolero said.
“As of now, ayoko muna mag-isip,” he added. “Gusto ko muna mapahinga kasi pagod din. Tingan natin, after the week siguro.”
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