MAGNOLIA rookie Peter Alfaro turned coach Chito Victolero into a believer after helping the Hotshots keep their playoff hopes alive in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Thrust in the starting unit, the guard out of San Beda showed he was up to the task by spearheading the Hotshots' offense early on against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a game Magnolia won, 110-104.
Alfaro actually had a perfect game in the 20 minutes that he played. He was 5-of-5 overall from the field including 4-of-4 from three-point range, while adding three rebounds, four assists, a steal, and with no turnovers committed.
Victolero lauded the rookie player for stepping up especially with veteran guard Paul Lee still fully healed from a meniscus injury.
"Yun ang nakita ko sa kanya na we can rely on him in this kind of situation when our back are against the wall," said Victolero of the NCAA champion player, who was originally taken by Terrafirma in the third round of the recent draft but failed to sign up for the franchise.
Sponsored content: Alfaro's effort helped Magnolia's cause as the team improved to a 4-6 record overall and still in the running for a berth in the quarterfinals.
And the Hotshots certainly need more of Alfaro doing his thing moving forward.
"I'm very impressed with Peter, the way he defends in practice, the way he handles himself. The score, the points, I think bonus na lang yun," said Victolero. "Yung toughness ni Peter on both ends of the floor, yung kanyang depensa, at the same time yung offense niya, hindi siya natatakot."
The 5-foot-11 guard from Zamboanga, who tried out and eventually earned a roster spot at Magnolia as a rookie free agent, is the son of former PBA player Pedro Alfaro. (RG)
