LETTING go of such a likeable import like Justin Jackson was one of the hardest decisions Magnolia had to make this season.
But with two games left in the eliminations of the PBA Commissioner’s Cu and the Hotshots fighting for dear life, they know that they had to bring someone who can take them over the top.
So when the chance to grab former Best Import awardee Wayne Chism presented itself, the Hotshots didn’t let the opportunity pass, as painful as it was to let the hardworking Jackson go.
“This is our last push for this conference. We think that Wayne will help us a lot in terms of his experience and also yung kanyang leadership,” said Victolero as Chism joined Magnolia for the first time in practice at the Ronac Art Center Playground.
“Kabisado na niya yung laro dito e, that’s why when we had a chance to grab Wayne, ginrab na namin. He knows what it takes to win and he knows kung paano maglaro dito,” he added.
“Si Justin, we thank him. Yung binigay niya sa amin, yung opportunity na makasama namin siya. He’s a very nice guy. I talked to him and he understands. He’s very professional. Naintindihan naman niya yung goal namin,” he added.
Now with their fourth import of the conference, Victolero is hoping Chism will finally be the perfect fit for the Hotshots as they enter their last two games at eighth place with a 4-5 record.
Chism led the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to the championship in the 2015 Commissioners Cup and Victolero believes that it’s something that Chism can carry over to Magnolia.
“He’s a two-way player. He has a high basketball IQ. On offense he can spread the floor, he can also play in the post. Yun ang maganda kay Wayne, bukod sa leadership niya, he can play on both ends,” he added.
The good news for them is that they won’t be playing until July 4 when they face the NLEX Road Warriors – ironically against Chism’s former coach in Yeng Guiao.
Victolero is taking advantage of the break to get Chism in tune with his system and familiarize his locals with the new import – a luxury they didn’t have when they abruptly went for Curtis Kelly before taking a chance on Jackson.
“Ito na nga yung push namin, we had problems with imports, we kept on changing, we had problems with chemistry so hopefully now, we have a long break and time to prepare and get that chemistry with Wayne,” said Victolero.
“We just try to maximize the long break. Nag coaches’ meeting kami, nagusap kami kung ano yung mas maganda dito sa team for the last two games. Yun ang napagdesisyon namin, we need to get another guy that’s more experienced, who knows what it takes to win.”
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