CHITO Victolero admitted Jerrick Balanza was already on the radar of Magnolia as early as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Being a two-way player and a stocky 6-foot-1 guard who can also shoot from the outside were among the qualities the Hotshots coaching staff liked about the former Letran stalwart.
“Actually, last conference I was trying to look kung puwede pa kaming magdagdag pa ng another threat dun sa opensa namin. So nandun na siya,” said Victolero.
But it was just an idea the Hotshots initially considered, but didn’t seriously pursue.
The team, after all, was playing beautiful basketball together, coming off an 11-game sweep of the preseason On Tour, and appeared capable of contending for the title with the presence of former NBA player Tyler Bay as import.
Victolero said Magnolia decided to stick with the tried and tested roster that eventually reached the finals but lost out in six games to champion San Miguel Beer.
“We’re hoping na kahit paano yun munang circle or core namin,” added the Magnolia coach. “Yun lang naman, nag-isip lang kami kung sino pa ang puwede.”
Perhaps though, Balanza going to the Hotshots was meant to be.
Why Magnolia tapped Balanza
A conference later, the Hotshots found their roster depleted by injuries to key players Rome Dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio, while guards Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon are playing through various injuries.
That’s the time the team had another look at acquiring the services of Balanza.
“Pero nung nagyari na may injuries na kami, nagsimula na ulit kaming maghanap kasi nagkaroon ng opening (sa lineup namin),” said Victolero.
“We’re the one who initiated the trade,” disclosed the Magnolia coach. “Mas kailangan kasi namin dahil for the last two to three weeks, undermanned talaga kami. Sa practice hindi kami makabuo. Halos nine to 10 players lang ang available and ang hirap mag-prepare ng ganun.”
Last week, the 27-year-old Balanza formally joined the Hotshots via trade with Converge FiberXers for a second-round pick in the Season 49 draft.
Balanza played the first game for Magnolia against Phoenix in a 103-97 win Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. He only had two points on 1-of-5 shooting, but played 14 minutes coming off the bench, while alternating with the comebacking Dionisio playing in the wings.
“I talked to Jerrick and told him to just play his game according to our system and stay confident. And he responded,” said Victolero of Magnolia’s new acquisition.
Victolero cites Balanza's presence
“I think it’s not the points, but yung presence ni Jerrick naging malaking tulong sa amin. Yung kanyang offensive reads malaking bagay para sa amin yun para makaikot kami ng tao. He’s a good substitute for Aris para kahit paano medyo makapahinga rin siya (Aris).”
Balanza said he has no idea that he was being eyed by Magnolia even early in the season.
“Wala akong alam tungkol dun, e” he stressed. “Pero nung nagkausap kami ni coach Chito (Victolero), sabi nga niya gusto niya ako sa team. Basta maglaro lang ako.”
He did and earned the trust of Victolero right away.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
