CHICAGO - A McDonald's All-American in high school, a college star at UCLA, and a high first-round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Shabazz Muhammad knows all too well about expectations.
A 6-foot-6, three-level scorer who can finish at the rim, knock down the mid-range J, and drill the 3, the bar is often raised for those who possess Muhammad's credentials.
His debut as Magnolia's import in the ongoing PBA Governors' Cup was no different.
With a track record that includes a 57-point outburst while playing for San Miguel in 2022, the expectation was for Shabazz to belt another show-stopper when he faced winless Terrafirma last Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
A lit firecracker, Shabazz blew up, alright.
But his performance had a little shock and awe, just some lack and woe.
FOUL TROUBLE.
He finished with 20 points, four rebounds, and one assist to go with three turnovers - a stat line that is beneath his lofty standards.
"I rate my performance at 6.5 to 7. I only played 23 minutes due to early foul trouble. Two tough offensive foul calls. Stopped me from playing half the second quarter and all of the third quarter which was tough," he told me via text message Friday night.
It's a valid explanation, not an excuse.
At the end of the day, the Hotshots held off the hapless, dilapidated Dyip with Muhammad delivering what he described as "a game-winner for us to get that must-win."
READ: Magnolia averts disaster as it denies upset conscious Terrafirma
Up next for Shabazz and Magnolia is a Tuesday date with TNT, which totes a 6-1 record with another former NBA-er leading the charge: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
"Definitely, in the next game I will be very careful with the fouls," he said.
TWO STUDS AND PAUL LEE.
Asked who among his teammates has impressed him so far, Shabazz gave flowers to "No. 22 [Zavier] Lucero and No. 14 [Mark] Barroca."
No surprise there. Barroca has a long history of excellence, a record which he burnished with an all-around fare of seven points, nine assists, and four rebounds against Terrafirma.
Lucero, meanwhile, erupted for 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field.
"Paul Lee really stepped up for us, too," the former Minnesota Timberwolf added.
As for Hotshots coach Chito Victolero, Shabazz had nothing but praise.
"He's really good. And the offense (he draws) really suits my game. I think without being in foul trouble, I will really be able to show what I'm capable of."
Consider that a plea to the sometimes jumpy, whistle-happy PBA referees. It's also a warning shot to the Tropang Giga.
Circle your calendars. The TNT-Magnolia duel should be nasty good, with a chance of fireworks.
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