PBA: Magnolia coach knows Tyler Bey can do more after solid debut

Magnolia import Tyler Bey.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Tyler Bey made sure to introduce himself in the PBA with an early statement game for Magnolia on Sunday.

Making his PBA debut, Bey put the league on notice when he produced big numbers to propel the Hotshots past the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Season 48 opener.

Matched up with last season’s Governors’ Cup champions, Bey held his own with a monster double-double of 31 points and 20 rebounds.

“It was great. I learned how to handle adversity, the first two quarters weren’t my best but my teammates and coaching staff were there for me the whole way and I really appreciated it,” said Bey after a 110-102 win at Araneta Coliseum.

“Other than that, it’s just good to play the game after a few months and I’m blessed to be here.”

After a slow start, Bey came alive when it mattered most by firing 15 points alone in the final frame.

As good as Bey was, his coach Chito Victolero knows the 25-year-old forward still has a lot more to show as the conference goes along.

“He’s an energy guy but he has a lot of adjustments to be made. He’s very athletic, can play both ends of the floor but I always tell him about the discipline and about the chemistry with other guys. We’re a defensive-minded team and we need him in that system,” said Victolero.

The Hotshots had a hard time containing TNT reinforcement Quincy Miller, who scored a game-high 37 points on top of 14 rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

But Victolero doesn’t seem too worried about his team and Bey’s defensive capabilities.

“I think he needs adjustments but we’re very patient with Tyler. We keep telling him what to do and how to help the team. The great thing about this kid is he always listens, he has a great attitude, character and that’s why the team loves him.”

“He can learn a lot with our system as the tournament progresses.”