Bringing in Antonio Hester in a bid to revitalize its PBA Governors’ Cup run was an easy decision for Magnolia, all thanks to the Zamboanga connection.
While already sold with his skillset alone, the Hotshots became all the more convinced in tapping the former Terrafirma import’s services based on the feedback they gathered from people who know him better.
One of those they reached out to was Zamboanga Valientes MLV team owner Junnie Navarro through his fellow native Mark Barroca.
“We asked Mark also,” disclosed head coach Chito Victolero. “Mayroon din siyang sinabi tungkol dito. Lot of positive things, positive words.
“I think he also called Boss Junnie about the attitude of Hester, and we heard a lot of good things about him,” added the champion mentor.
Hester previously suited up for the Valientes in the ongoing ASEAN Basketball League Invitational Tournament, delivering the team a win in the Kuala Lumpur circuit earlier this week before flying back to Manila to join Magnolia.
And he wasted no time proving his worth to his new team, finishing with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists to help the Hotshots end their winless spell following a 108-95 win over Phoenix Super LPG Friday.
Victolero is glad to have a ‘game-changer’ in the 6-foot-6 forward, who also collected four steals and a block in his PBA return.
“Locals are paying well right now although we lost our last three games, they played well. We just need a game-changer like Hes here who can turn things around,” he offered. “I hope in our succeeding games, he can help us.
“‘Yung aming depensa nag-improve din with Hester because nagagawa namin ngayon na full court, nagagawa namin ‘yung ginagawa naming system. And he controls the boards. He’s a big factor,” he added.
But what Victolero feels more elated about was confirming the claims of Navarro and Dyip head coach Johnedel Cardel about Hester’s character.
Photo by PBA Images
“I also called coach John and other coaches of Terrafirma. They’re right, he has a very, very good attitude and character,” said the cager turned mentor.
Hester, for his part, still hasn’t fully wrapped his head around the fact that he’s now playing for Magnolia, but is nonetheless thankful.
“Surprised,” said the Miami native when asked how he felt upon receiving the call from the Hotshots. “I’m still trying to, like, take all of it in. I’m very thankful, very, very thankful to be here, to have this opportunity.”
Moving forward, Hester is excited to gel even deeper with his teammates, eager to integrate his own brand of basketball to his new squad.
“That was one of the main things that we talked about, bring me in and try to turn things around. When I got the call that I was coming to Magnolia, I was excited because of the type of shooters that are on this team,” he said.
“I’m a pass-first guy, knowing this team, I lit up with joy,” he added. “Much love and respect to the Zamboanga Valientes, the whole family over there, I appreciate them for allowing me to be a part of the Magnolia family.
“Being here, just ready to help them out as much as I can and do what I do best. They told me, just be me, and enjoy the game. That’s what I’m here to do.”
—
The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
