Marion Magat feels like a rookie with his new team NLEX as he continues to understand and work hard to learn the system of the Road Warriors in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.
Signed by NLEX for a one-year contract after his previous deal with Alaska expired following the 43rd season, Magat has already shown signs of being a quality player for coach Yeng Guiao.
The 6-foot-7 Magat said he feels blessed to be given the playing time at NLEX, something he didn’t have during his three-year stint with the Alaska Aces under coach Alex Compton.
“For me it’s back to zero,” said Magat in Filipino.
“The way I’m playing, the way I act or conduct myself when I’m inside the court, I feel like I’m in my rookie year again,” the 18th overall pick of Alaska during the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.
However, it’s pretty obvious with his plays that Magat has the veteran smarts already as he scattered eight points with eight rebounds in a 95-90 setback against the NorthPort Batang Pier last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The setback dropped NLEX to 0-2 since it lost its season debut to Rain or Shine last Friday. In his first game with the Road Warriors, Magat finished with 13 points and three rebounds.
“I think I’m adjusting well with NLEX’s system. Coach Yeng told me to just play my usual game and continue to hustle. Actually I didn’t change my style of play here at NLEX,” said Magat, a product of National University.
Magat understands that the playing time Guiao is giving him so far as a back up at center spot for John Paul Erram is a big opportunity for him to really prove that he can play in the PBA.
One thing he’s learning is to shot whenever he’s open – something that Guiao wants his players to do.
“He told me not to hesitate,” Magat said.
Another thing that Magat should do, as mentioned to him by Guiao and the rest of the coaching staff, is to bulk up since he just weighs just around 190 pounds to be able to bang bodies against the bigger opponents.
“I think I need to eat more rice,” said Magat laughing, adding that he also have to spend more time at the weights room.
Magat said that he has no ill feelings with Alaska now that he is with NLEX.
In his three years with Compton, Magat said there are lots of things he learned both inside and outside the court.
“No regret,” said Magat.
