RAFFY Verano is making the most of every opportunity he gets in a star-studded Magnolia team.
The 6-foot-3 shooting guard saw a door open against Blackwater and didn't waste the chance, finishing with his best coring output as a Hotshot in a 90-75 win on Friday night in the PBA Philippine Cup.
READ Magnolia returns to winning ways by shaking off Blackwater
Verano, a free-agent pick-up by the Hotshots from Phoenix, had 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field, including 2-of-2 from three-point range in Magnolia’s fifth win in seven outings.
He had seven points in a 16-4 run that gave the Hotshots their biggest lead of the game at 84-61.
The 27-year-old Verano, who added three rebounds and an assist, said he no longer received an offer from Phoenix when his contract expired last September, forcing him to try his luck with other teams.
He tried out at Magnolia under then incoming new coach LA Tenorio and wasn’t signed to a contract until three days before the start of the opening of the season-opening conference.
“I was in a tough position. Buti na lang coach LA gave me a shot. And I just worked my but off when I was training with them,” Verano said.
“Buti na lang they (Hotshots) saw what I can bring defensively.”
Verano was a second-round pick of Phoenix in the Season 48 draft at No. 16 overall and suited up for two seasons with the Fuel Masters.
Of course, it helped that Verano was a product of Ateneo, the alma mater of Tenorio.
But more than the Blue Eagles connection, the Magnolia coach said the wingman has a great attitude.
“All my players have great attitude not only as a player but also as a person,” said Tenorio.
Verano plus
Of course, that’s aside from Verano also having good looks.
“Gusto ko kasing match up sa Rain or Shine. Gusto ko pogi rin ang mga players ko,” the Magnolia coach joked, alluding to ROS coach Yeng Guiao's joke.
“At least kahit doon matapatan namin ang Rain or Shine. Mahirapan kami sa game sa kanila, so kahit sa papogian matapatan namin sila.”
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