Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero admitted that he wasn’t really sure of how Jabari Bird would perform in Game 2 of their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal battle versus Rain or Shine on Friday evening.
But the champion mentor would find himself pleased as the gamble of sorts appears to be paying off following the former NBA pro’s strong debut, which ultimately enabled the Hotshots to even the best-of-5 series.
“Actually, hindi ko alam kung ano ‘yung ipapakita niya ngayon,” he said after their 121-69 win at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
“Because we’re relying on the agent and on the highlights. Ang talagang pinag-aralan ko lang is how he plays, and what is the character,” he added.
Already Magnolia’s fourth import in this conference, Bird finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds as he helped set the tone in the 52-point rout.
To have played that well considering that he only arrived in Manila a day before Game 2 speaks volumes to how promising things could be for the up-and-down Hotshots, but it’s not just the skill itself that’s endeared him to Victolero.
“Ang importante lang talaga sa amin, he is very humble. He played in the NBA but he’s very humble,” said the former player turned bench tactician.
“And after Game 1 (last Wednesday), I talked to him doon sa phone, did some interviews, and ‘yun, ang nakita ko lang ‘yung character niya, medyo maayos. So ayun, nag-decide ako na kuhanin siya,” Victolero added.
And even after a solid first game in the PBA, Victolero believes that the 30-year-old Bird has more to show as the race-to-3 series progresses.
“I think so,” he said. “Actually ngayon nga lang na-meet nung mga key players si JB eh, kasi kagabi nung dumating siya, third group ‘yung nag-practice. It’s hard for JB to adjust right away, but I told him to not pressure himself.
“Kasi ang kailangan lang namin sa kanya is ‘yung little help on everything,” he added.
“He had 13 rebounds, and played good defense. I think may ilalabas pa ‘yan, sakaling maging komportable pa siya doon sa mga kasamahan niya.”
