MANILA, Philippines -- MAGNOLIA import Glenn Robinson III may not possess the explosiveness his father had as a superstar for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1990s, but coach Chito Victolero is convinced that their American reinforcement is what they need in time for the Season 49 Governors' Cup.
More than just scoring, Victolero said Robinson III's leadership and experience are qualities the Hotshots need as they try to end their six-year PBA title drought when the Governors' Cup begins on August 18.
"Glenn's still in a period of adjustment but our import is an experienced player who we know has played in the NBA. In fact, his leadership is huge for the team and has a very positive influence on the players," Victolero told The Manila Times in Filipino.
Robinson III's NBA resume, aside from being the son of the 1994 NBA top overall pick Glenn Robinson II, was winning the Slam Dunk competition in 2017, along with spending eight seasons in the American pro league.
Selected 40th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2014 NBA Draft, Robinson III went on to play for the T-Wolves, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings until the 2020-21 season.
"We know his father is an elite player in the NBA but Glenn shows the same characteristics. But he jells well with the players in the two weeks he's been with us so far," shared the 2018 PBA Coach of the Year.
Robinson III has followed in the footsteps of his father Glenn Robinson II who spent 11 years in the NBA, winning a league championship as a member of the San Antonio Spurs in 2005. His dad entered the NBA as the top overall pick in the 1994 Draft with the Milwaukee Bucks.
"With eight years of playing in the NBA, he's generous in sharing his knowledge to the players and is willing to sacrifice for the success of the team," he added.
Magnolia's last PBA championship incidentally happened during the Governors' Cup in 2018 where the team, led by Romeo Travis, beat Alaska in the title series. RICHARD DY