After seeing Bradwyn Guinto record a double-double at the expense of a formidable TNT frontcourt, Mahindra coach Chito Victolero felt even more relieved the Enforcers were able to nab the hardworking big.
Guinto stepped up in the absence of Kyle Pascual (fever), playing 33 minutes and tallying 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
The former San Sebastian Golden Stag gave Mahindra a back to basket option the team have been lacking in the past, and it helped although Mahindra fell short, 97-101.
“Malaking factor. Yung rotation mabigat talaga but Bradwyn, and the other guys stepped up. Bradwyn, he works hard and malaki pa ang mabibigay niya at mapapakita sa PBA,” Victolero quipped of his rookie, who was selected 14th overall in the 2015 draft.
“Itong batang ‘to, hardworker siya. And ngayon, at least, mayroon kaming gitna. Pagbalik ni Kyle (Pascual) makakapagtulungan sila.”
Victolero shared how important Guinto was, even joking he wished during the draft Guinto will fall to their spot instead of having other teams pick him.
“Kung nauna siya sa draft baka hindi namin siya nakuha, so okay na rin yan,” Victolero said. “Pero yun nga yung pinagdadasal ko eh, sabi ko, ‘huwag muna. Buti inabutan namin siya. Swerte siguro yung Mahindra doon. Kumbaga parang tumama ka sa lotto.”
Guinto added he does not feel any pressure to contribute, and he just lets the opportunities come to himself. He is looking forward to accomplishing more with the team.
“They just keep encouraging me so it makes it a lot easier,” Guinto said.
“We have a lot of young players and mentors to this team. Whatever the coach says, I will do.”
