MANILA, Philippines – Buoyed up by the rare presence of playing coach Manny Pacquiao, Mahindra launched a vicious second-half offensive to nip the Star Hotshots, 80-78 in their preseason match Wednesday at the Ronac gym in San Juan.
Pacquiao registered just two points during his brief stint in the third quarter, though his charismatic presence was enough to inject life to the Enforcers, who beat the Hotshots after coming back from a 16-point deficit.
“Talagang ang wino-work out namin this offseason is yung defense namin though
yung kay coach Manny, yun din naman expect natin eh, na mai-involve pa siya sa team namin kaya nakapag-laro siya today,” Mahindra lead assistant Chito Victolero told Philstar.com, as his team improved to 5-4 in preseason games with one draw.
Victolero noted that their two prized offseason recruits Nino Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos have been coming up big for the team in their offseason games evidenced in the leadership they provide.
“Sa mga tuneup games namin, maganda naman ang pinapakita nila KG and Aldrech. Talagang nakakatulong sila on both ends of the floor,” noted the former Mapua Cardinal coach.
Victolero said Ramos can easily extend the defense because of his ability to shoot from long range, while Canaleta, a five-time PBA Slam Dunk champion, adds versatility to the team because he can play the three and four spots any time.
“KG can play multiple position. Yung game namin against San Migue, he (Canaleta) played the three position, then against Star, he played the four (power forward). So meron kami ganung combination, na puwede kami maglaro ng small and big,” he added.
Victolero hopes rookie Bradwyn Guinto, the team’s second-round selection in the rookie draft last August, will be able to adjust well in the new few days.