MAGNOLIA has brought in an import with NBA credentials in Glenn Robinson III, who is very much aware of the Hotshots’ thirst for championship success.
“I spoke to coach on the phone a few times before I even got here. That was something that he mentioned that they seemed to make it to the playoffs and far every year, but since 2018, Magnolia hasn’t won a championship,” said Robinson, referring to the Hotshots’ last PBA title in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
“That is our goal. That’s my goal as a team,” he added.
NBA credentials of Robinson
Robinson comes in with a credentials that include a seven-year stay in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings.
The 30-year-old is playing overseas for the first time in his career.
The son of a former NBA player and No. 1 draft pick Glenn Robinson Jr., said he embraces the expectations that comes with his credentials.
“You know you want to go into the season with high expectations. But it’s our job to take it game by game. I’m used to the NBA where it’s 82 games and 15, 20 of those, you might take a break, you might take a dayoff. You just don’t know what will happen.”
“But here, 10-game regular season, every game matters, every minute matters. It’s my job to come prepared every day and that’s what I’m gonna do,” Robinson said.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero believes Robinson is the right man for the Hotshots as he is a complete package from his basketball skills to attitude.
“Nung nakausap ko siya, konting interview, medyo na-convince talaga ako na siya nga ang para sa amin with the way he talks, very humble. Even if he played (seven years) in the NBA, he is very humble, he is very coachable,” said Victolero.
“’Yun ‘yung isa sa mga hinahangaan ko sa kanya. Hindi siya ‘yung import na because he played in the NBA, medyo proud. Makikita mo naman talaga ‘yan. Sobrang down to earth. ‘Yung pagiging jolly niya, nara-rub off niya sa teammates niya,” said Victolero.
Former Slam Dunk champion
A part of Robinson’s credentials is being an NBA Slam Dunk champion when played for the Indiana Pacers in 2017. Robinson said fans can definitely expect highlights during the conference.
“That’s what I do,” said Robinson. “I won the Slam Dunk competition in 2017 with the Indiana Pacers. That’s always been part of my game, jumping, and being able to dunk.”
“I used to watch LeBron growing up so he’s the one who got me to dunking. Nowadays, the kids watch Steph Curry. Everybody wants to shoot threes. Dunking is what I do. I expect to bring that to the games, bring some excitement, some energy for the fans,” Robinson said.
The main priority for Robinson though is to win championships.
“Our goal is to win that championship and bring it to Magnolia. But we are going to take this thing day-by-day,” said Robinson.
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