WITH his team healthier this conference, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is spreading the minutes in the hope that they can make a deeper run in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Victolero said rest and recovery were one of the focus of the team during the four-week break that followed a dismal Commissioner’s Cup campaign ravaged by injuries to key players, including import Ricardo Ratliffe.
“We were trying to give emphasis doon sa health ng mga players, ‘yung recovery nila coming sa preparation namin,” said Victolero said after the Hotshots beat Blackwater handily, 106-84, in their Philippine Cup debut.
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“I think for me, ang ganda ng preparation namin ngayon. They’re all healthy. Thank God that [Zavier] is healthy, Ian [Sangalang], Paul [Lee are healthy], because last conference, talagang na-hit kami ng injuries especially sa import namin.
"Now, ‘yun ‘yung focus namin na ‘yung journey namin this conference will be a healthy one para lang mas maganda ‘yung showing namin,” said Victolero.
Against Blackwater, Victolero played guys such as Jerom Lastimosa, Peter Alfaro, and James Laput. Even seldom-used Russel Escoto started for Magnolia. Lastimosa played the most minutes and had 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Victolero said there is a conscious effort to give players more minutes especially in the eliminations to prepare them for the playoffs, if they make it that far.
“We know naman na we are not getting any younger. We have young guys that can play like Jerom, Aris [Dionisio]. We want as much as possible na ma-spread namin ‘yung minutes nila Mark [Barroca], Paul, Ian, Calvin [Abueva] para pagdating ng playoff time, they are fresh.”
“We are trying to give an opportunity. We are very confident with James [Laput], Jerom, and Peter [Alfaro] na they can contribute and will have a bigger role this conference,” said Victolero.
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