IT looks like Magnolia has finally found the right import, and it comes at a perfect time.
Jabari Bird had a stellar performance in Game Two when he hit 22 points and 13 rebounds in Magnolia’s 121-69 win over Rain or Shine to tie their PBA 49th Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
READ: Bird a seamless fit as Magnolia deals RoS a 52-point beatdown
Bird is the Hotshots’ fourth import this conference, replacing Rayvonte Rice after he was ineffective in his two games with the team when he took over the place of injured Shabazz Muhammad.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said the former Boston Celtics player only arrived on the eve of the game, and had to learn the plays through a run-through with the third stringers.
“I told him na kailangan lang naming is contribution on the little things, defense, rebounding, and the positive energy which is I think nabigay ni JB in this game,” said Victolero.
Victolero considers Bird as heaven-sent after what he showed in Game Two where the Hotshots were in a must-win situation and trying to avoid a 0-2 hole against Rain or Shine.
“Hulog ng langit din dahil after ng Game One, on that night, me and the management, Boss Al, told me na if you have to find an import na mas makakatulong sa amin. Siya ‘yung available na merong chance na matulungan kami," he said.
“Actually, hindi ko alam kung ano ang ipapakita niya kasi we were relying on the agent and the highlights. Good thing, talagang pinag-aralan namin ‘yung how he plays and what is his character."
Now with the benefit of time to work with the team, Victolero believes Bird still has a lot to show ahead of Game Three where Magnolia will look to claim a 2-1 lead over Rain or Shine, which is facing the possibility of playing without an import.
“I told him not to pressure himself. Ang kailangan namin sa kanya ‘yung a little help from everything which is a big factor for us. He got 13 rebounds. He played good defense. I think may mailalabas pa ‘yan," he continued.
"Magiging komportable pa siya sa mga kasamahan niya. Ang importante sa amin, he is very humble. He played in the NBA but he is very humble."
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