Shabazz Muhammad (with ball) was playing virtually on one leg in Magnolia’s defeat to TNT. —PBA IMAGES
Magnolia is open to replacing import Shabazz Muhammad going into the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs.
Doing so would cause some concern within any team, considering the shifting dynamics at a crucial part of the tournament, but the Hotshots aren’t just any team as far as cornerstone Mark Barroca is concerned.
“Nothing much that we can do about it,” the 13-year veteran, who has played all his pro years for the franchise, told reporters on the heels of a 110-94 win over NorthPort on Friday night.
“Shabazz has an injury. But us (locals), we’re here [and ready]. It’s up to the coaches whether to go through with it or not, but us veterans—Paul Lee, Calvin (Abueva)—we have to stay relevant, and keep encouraging the new players.”
Muhammad, a former first-round pick in the NBA, is currently 2-1 (win-loss) with Magnolia. His lone defeat with the club was when he played virtually on one leg after a knee issue ahead of an 84-82 loss to traditional powerhouse TNT last Tuesday.
The American forward sat out Friday’s win over the undermanned Batang Pier, who were also missing import Venky Jois after he went under the knife to repair his right foot.
READ: PBA: Shabazz Muhammad lifts Magnolia past Terrafirma
Muhammad said the doctor’s assessment showed no ligament damage, and his “knee is pretty much just swollen at this point,” and added he is still looking forward to backstopping the Hotshots this Monday against a Converge side also battling for a favorable positioning in the crossover quarterfinals.
Whether or not such a scenario pans out hardly worries Barroca, and he’s drawing that optimism from a commendable showing from his younger teammates, especially the revelation of a guard in Jerrick Ahanmisi and offseason pickup Zav Lucero.
“So far, Jerrick’s confidence inside (the court) has been improving. He has the most four-point shot attempts and conversions, right? I’m really happy for him,” Barroca said of the former Adamson standout.
Ahanmisi has been playing his finest basketball since being given the minutes and has become the league’s unlikely poster boy for its pioneering four-point line. He has hit 12-of-29 quad shots (41.38 percent) thus far in the tournament.
Then there’s the high-leaping Lucero, who has been giving Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva the support they need throughout the import-laden showcase.
“Adding Zav, too,” Barroca added. “He’s such a boost for us because he somehow expanded our core (of good players).”