‘He’s ready for the PBA’, says Chito Victolero on Magnolia rookie Jerrick Ahanmisi

Magnolia rookie Jerrick Ahanmisi is ripe and ready for the PBA.

The 23-year old former Adamson University standout, who was drafted by the Hotshots with the 10th overall pick in the PBA Season 46 Draft, was able to impress head coach Chito Victolero with his skill set and work ethic during the team’s month-long workout and scrimmages.

“I think he will be one of the top rookies now based on our practices. Maganda attitude nito. Para rin itong si Paul (Lee) atsaka si Mark (Barroca),” said Victolero during a telephone interview with PBA Rush.

“Grabe mag-extra (shooting). Yung work ethic and attitude niya maayos. He’s ready for the PBA,” he added.

Ahanmisi’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time as the 2014 PBA Grand Slam champions just lost veteran point guard Chris Banchero who was dealt to the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters for Calvin Abueva.

“Magiging malaki yung role ni Jerrick dito. I think most of the PBA fans will be surprised kung ano yung ilalaro ng batang ito. Based on our practices, our scrimmages, konting adjustment lang, I think magiging maganda yung role niya sa amin,” explained Victolero.

The Hotshots will be looking to bounce back from a disastrous showing inside the PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga and the stage is set with the entry of Ahanmisi and Abueva.

“Guard-oriented team kami. Yun ang system namin, we like to pressure a lot. Naglalaro kami ng either naka two-guard or three-guard offense. We had an opportunity to get Jerrick in the draft. Kasi si Paul lang yung legit na shooting guard namin eh. Now, with the addition of Jerrick, we have another guy who can spread the floor,” said Victolero.

“We can have another guy na puweng batuhan ng bola whenever Jio (Jalalon), Mark (Barroca) or Calvin creates on our plays. So si Jerrick, malaking bagay doon sa magiging sistema namin. Nawala si Chris, pero nadagdag naman si Jerrick, plus Calvin pa.”