SMART CLARK GIGA CITY – Among the challenges Magnolia had with rookie Aris Dionisio early was getting him gelled with the squad, since he only had little time to practice with the Hotshots prior to entering the bubble.
Prior to that, Dionisio was also playing for Manila in the MPBL.
“‘Yung chemistry ‘yung one big issue sa kanya kasi nga ‘nung pumasok siya sa’min, dito lang sa bubble. So talagang nahirapan siya sa chemistry,” said head coach Chito Victolero of their 9th pick in last year’s regular PBA draft.
But as they all get to spend time as a unit inside the bubble, Dionisio would get to form that bond with his teammates, which definitely augured well for him through some notable outings in the 2020 Philippine Cup.
And on Wednesday, the St. Clare product continued to show how much he has progressed with the Hotshots when they took on the already-eliminated Blackwater to conclude their elimination round campaign.
Dionisio produced 12 points, spiked by three triples, along with four rebounds and a game-high three blocks to provide the energy in their 95-80 conquest of the Elite to head into the quarterfinals with six straight wins.
With that, the 6-foot-5 big man was bestowed the Best Player of the Game citation, and he was totally honored to have been named such.
“Malaking bagay para sa’kin na nakakuha ako ng Best Player dito sa PBA. Siyempre para mas ma-push pa ako na magtrabaho pa ng doble, para mas may maitulong pa ako sa team namin,” the soft-spoken forward, who is the MPBL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, said.
Victolero, on the other hand, is just proud to see Dionisio finally show what he’s capable of doing for the Hotshots.
It marked the second straight game that the rookie finished in double figures as he had 10 in their over NorthPort last Sunday.
“I’m very proud kay Aris kasi he puts a lot of work ‘dun sa mga weaknesses niya. Ngayon, lumabas ‘yung totoong laro niya. Actually naman, ‘yung bata na ‘to kaya namin kinuha, talaga namang may skill and talent ‘yan,” he said.
“Now, at least kahit papano, nakikilala na niya ‘yung mga kasama niya. At least ‘yung system, alam na rin niya, so malaking tulong.”
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