Tyler Bey, ‘everyone’s best friend,’ easily forging chemistry with Hotshots

Magnolia import Tyler Bey has been getting along with all of his teammates. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Chemistry is a staple in a basketball team wanting to make a deep run to the championship.

Fortunately for Magnolia. they have plenty of chemistry to go around with import Tyler Bey in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

When Mark Barroca was asked who Bey’s “best friend” is in the Hotshots, the veteran guard was quick to say that everybody’s close with the 2020 NBA draft second rounder.

“Oh, everyone. All of us,” said Barroca in Filipino after firing 17 points in the team’s 112-74 win over Northport at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

“Actually, in our free time, we joke around and talk a lot. When we’re in the PT (physical therapist) room, it’s the same thing, that’s how we build chemistry.”

Bey played to the Hotshots’ line of offense in the victory with 25 points and eight rebounds. Team chemistry was certainly in his mind as well, passing the rock for a total of six assists in the process.

“He’s really important to us. He’s a new guy that’s put in our system because he’s like half of our team. Our chemistry’s good because it’s a huge thing that he’s involved in our schemes and plays. Us [locals], we’ve been together for a long time now so we know what to do but with Tyler it’s different. The other plays he doesn’t know maybe because his play overseas is different compared here,” said the point guard in Filipino.

As if that wasn’t enough of a testament as to how good the team is in communicating and playing off of each other’s talents, five players scored in double digits for coach Chito Victolero, boasting a balanced effort from all of Magnolia’s players.

According to Barroca, the conversations behind the scenes and in the locker room are what’s boosting the chemistry of the Hotshots.

“That’s [jokes and talks] where chemistry is built, not just about who’s treating whom. We talk a lot and because of that we jell well and it’s like we’re close friends now even outside of the basketball court.”

“Chemistry building is fast because of those.”

Good, but still can be better

Fortunately for Magnolia. they have plenty of chemistry to go around with import Tyler Bey in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

While Magnolia is doing well so far in the conference with an unscathed record after three games, Victolero is still looking for more improvements from the former Dallas Maverick.

“Regarding the chemistry, he’s doing a good job with the team and they jell well with Tyler,” lauded Victolero.

“He helps us a lot offensively and defensively with his energy and athleticism. I think there’s still a few things he needs to fix regarding the defensive schemes and matchups but he’s doing okay. But about his progression, it’s better if he can do it fast.”

After three games for the conference, Bey is boasting a stacked stat line of 29.3 points, 14.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game, showing his prowess on both the defensive and offense end.

Bey’s talent and composure will be put to a bigger test on Sunday, however, when the Hotshots clash with Barangay Ginebra in the newest chapter of “Manila Clasico.”