NOT only defense but Rome dela Rosa's offense should be handy for Magnolia come its PBA Philippine Cup finals showdown against TnT Tropang Giga.
Coach Chito Victolero mentioned Dela Rosa playing well on both ends of the floor should give the Hotshots an even better chance of going toe-to-toe against a talented TnT side.
He added the Hotshots prepared the son of former PBA player Romeo Dela Rosa for such role starting this year and so far, the young forward has been living to it.
"We trained Rome to become a two-way player. We gave Rome the confidence to shoot outside and he delivered," said Victolero.
Dela Rosa's two-way value was none more obvious than in Magnolia's semifinals series against the Meralco Bolts especially during the close-out Game 6 victory.
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The 30-year-old forward nailed 4-of-5 from three-point range to finish with 16 points in the 93-85 win, while adding five rebounds.
"That's why he's our best defender in the perimeter and now, he spreads the floor," Victolero noted of Dela Rosa's improved shooting.
Up against a loaded TnT side in the best-of-seven finals that start Wednesday, Victolero hopes Dela Rosa will remain a consistent threat both on defense and offense.
"Kailangan lang namin itong ma-sustain," said Victolero. "No pressure, no expectations. Just play hard, give their multiple effort on defense and offense, and the result will come." (RG)
