Bey not worried in finals

MANILA, Philippines —  Magnolia import Tyler Bey isn’t worried about the Chicken Timplados Hotshots’ lack of rest before plunging into Game One of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against San Miguel Beer at the MOA Arena tonight. Although the Hotshots are coming off just a one-day break from eliminating Phoenix in the semifinals, Bey said it’s not a concern. Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said the Hotshots are pros who’re used to playing every other day.

“Phoenix was physical and got us ready for the Finals,” said Bey. Victolero said he expects the series to go the distance with Magnolia winding up on top, adding that the key is limiting San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright.  San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent declined to make a prediction and said it’s a race to four, regardless of how long the series goes. He said matching the Hotshots’ energy, particularly the guards, is critical.

Bey, 25, played for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020-21 season and likened some of his NBA teammates to his Magnolia teammates. “I interacted with Jalen Brunson a lot because Luka (Doncic) didn’t speak much English at the time,” he said. “Mark (Barroca) is like Jalen and Paul (Lee) like Luka. Calvin (Abueva) is like James Johnson.” Aside from the Mavericks, Bey also played for Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Milwaukee in the NBA Summer League.

Boatwright, 27, said he learned how to shoot from his father Bennie Sr. who took him to the gym to take 1,000 shots a day growing up. Boatwright said he played against Bey in the NCAA Pac-12 so they know each other.  Boatwright and Bey met thrice in college. In 2018, USC beat Colorado, 70-58 as Boatwright scored three points and Bey hit eight. In 2019, Colorado defeated USC twice, 69-65 with Bey scoring two points and Boatwright 24 and 78-67 with Bey hitting 17 and Boatwright nine.

Both imports said they’re willing to be naturalized and play for Gilas. Now, it’s up to SBP to make the move. If not, other countries will surely reach out as Jordan did to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Boatwright has reportedly received a lucrative offer to play in China.