Magnolia says Victolero will remain as Hotshots coach 'for the long term'

Magnolia says Victolero will remain as Hotshots coach ‘for the long term’

AMID speculations on Magnolia’s possible future with a new leader at the helm, Hotshots team manager Alvin Patrimonio made it clear that longtime head coach Chito Victolero is in it for the long haul.

“He will be a long-term head coach for the team,” said Patrimonio. “So far, okay naman ang results and performance niya as the head coach. Together with the assistant coaches, talagang tulong-tulong sila and they love the team, the players kaya buong puso ‘yan for Magnolia.

“[Chito Victolero] will stay,” the PBA great added.

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PHOTO: Freddie Dionisio

Entering his eighth year as the Hotshots’ chief coach, the former PBA champion and Coach of the Year is coming off a grueling six-game title series loss to San Miguel in the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup.

‘Kap,’ however, said Magnolia’s bridesmaid finish is just the preview of what the 14-time league winners are still capable of.

“Very crucial talaga ‘yung Game 6 because I think [in the last] four or five minutes, lamang ‘yung team. ‘Yung end lang with three minutes to go na lang [humabol] ‘yung San Miguel. But it’s part of the game talaga na may mananalo at may matatalo.”

Patrimonio added: “We accepted that as men and talagang babawi na lang next conference. ‘Yung mga mistakes, the attitudes, nandu’n naman ‘yan eh. Mag-iimprove pa ‘yan, may ibibigay pa ‘yan, may ibo-boost pa ‘yung team.”