Magnolia coach Chito Victolero ensures there’s a team activity every week to help the Hotshots shrug off the stress from competing in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Every once in a while, teams need to unwind — even in the middle of PBA action.
As for the Magnolia Hotshots, they do that every week to make sure they will be in the right frame of mind come game time.
“We have, every week, once a week, bonding. Either we will eat outside or [watch movies],” said head coach Chito Victolero after Magnolia bested TNT, 88-83, Friday, June 13.
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Victolero and the squad decided to watch Ballerina, a "sidequel" to the John Wick franchise featuring Keanu Reeves.
This serves as a breather for the squad which helps them strengthen their chemistry, especially with their new acquisition, William Navarro.
“We want everyone na makalimutan muna ang basketball. Outside basketball, ano ang puwede namin gawin? 'Yon ang mga activities na ginagawa namin,” Victolero said.
“Kailangan din namin mag-[bond] with William Navarro. Hopefully, magbunga ang mga extra na ginagawa namin para sa chemistry namin,” he added.
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Such activities have worked wonders so far for the Hotshots.
After nailing their eighth win to end their elimination round campaign against the Grand Slam-seeking Tropang 5G, Magnolia claimed a twice-to-beat incentive heading into the quarterfinals.