Once again feeling quite hungry, Magnolia is looking to defend its Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup with gusto and conviction.
That’s according to Hotshots coach Chito Victolero, who feels that his wards are rejuvenated and motivated after a much-needed break.
“I told the guys to come back hungrier and it seems like they really are,” said Victolero as his team is in the middle of its preparations for its title defense. “They are showing hunger and passion so far.”
After winning the Governors’ Cup title last season, Magnolia continued to blossom as it also made the finals of the Philippine Cup before bowing in a hard-fought series against eventual champion San Miguel.
Last conference in the Commissioner’s Cup, constant import problems doomed the Hotshots’ chances.
They got eliminated in the quarterfinals, paving way to a prolonged break.
With former Best import Romeo Travis back in tow, along with an intact core, the Hotshots are looking for a repeat of what it did last season when it bagged the crown in the season-ending tournament.
“We’re not the strongest team on paper but we still have talent and chemistry,” added Victolero. “That’s our strength.”
Ian Sangalang, Marc Barroca, Paul Lee, Rafi Reavis, and Marc Pingris are all expected to carry most of the load for the team.