It wasn’t just Mark Barroca who’s playing a vital role in Magnolia’s streak in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
Aris Dionisio may post quiet numbers night in and night out, but his presence alone speaks volumes for Magnolia.
Just ask Hotshots coach Chito Victolero.
While Mark Barroca has been at the forefront of the Hotshots three-game winning streak in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, there’s no doubt in Victolero’s mind that Dionisio is also a big factor in that resurgence.
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“Aris can play multiple positions, at the same time he’s a two-way player. He can play offense and defense, can spread the floor, can get the rebound. Madami syang nagagawa,” said the veteran coach after the 81-77 win over Blackwater on Wednesday, April 17.
The lanky winger posted seven points, five rebounds, and 1.5 steals in the last two victories as Magnolia rose to a 4-2 win-loss sheet.
Before his return from an ankle injury, Magnolia grappled with injuries and struggled to make a competitive practice due to lack of personnel.
Now that he’s back, and with the arrival of Jerrick Balanza in a trade with Converge, everything seems to be going well for the Hotshots.
“And he’s also a veteran, sa daming experience niya naging deep rotation na. Before kasi wala kaming wing guy,” said Victolero, whose team is also missing the services of defensive lynchpin Rome dela Rosa (ankle injury).
There seems to be no plans of slowing down now for the Hotshots, but Victolero braces his wards for collision as they go head-to-head with a red-hot Rain or Shine on Saturday, April 20, at the Tiaong Convention Center.