MAGNOLIA has tapped a defense-oriented player as import for the PBA Commissioner's Cup that kicks off in mid-October.
Hotshots coach Chito Victolero on Friday said former Colorado Buffaloes standout Tyler Bey has already signed the contract offered him and is set to fly in by the second week of next month.
"Bagay siya sa amin, athletic at bata," said Victolero of the 25-year-old Bey, selected 36th overall during the 2020 NBA draft and briefly saw action for the Dallas Mavericks.
"He can also play either shooting guard or small forward and he has an inside-outside game," added Victolero.
It is Bey's defensive prowess that prompted Victolero, his staff and Magnolia management to go for the Las Vegas native over the other prospects in a "very short" list.
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"Naging Defensive Player of the Year siya sa Pac-12 (in the US NCAA) so tingin namin babagay siya talaga sa sistema namin," offered Victolero.
If the expectations on Bey, listed at 6-foot-7 and 215 lbs, prove to be well-founded, then he should be a big boost to a Magnolia squad aiming to snap out of a dry spell since topping the 2018 Governors' Cup.
A reliable reinforcement seems to be the only piece missing for the Hotshots, who showcased their readiness to compete for another crown by completing a pre-game sweep of the recent PBA On Tour.
Unlike other teams which are reportedly eyeing to avail of the 6-9 maximum height ceiling for imports, Magnolia also appears to be content with a frontline that has the much-improved James Laput, veteran Rafi Reavis and the comebacking Ian Sangalang.(NC)
