Victolero excited to hear ‘Paul Lee for four (points)’ in PBA game

Magnolia coach admits apprehension over the new rule, but hopes it will help draw more fans to games

MAGNOLIA coach Chito Victolero is looking at the positives with the league’s decision to introduce a four-point shot in the PBA for the coming 49th Season.

Victolero admitted he has his own apprehensions towards the new rule where four points would be rewarded for a team who converts a shot from 27 feet and beyond, a first in the world of basketball.

At the same time, Victolero said he is also excited with the new challenge and the possibility of his team hitting that four-point shot where one of his players also excel.

Victolero said the move could also help the PBA in drawing attention and, hopefully, bring fans to the venues to watch the games in person.

“I have some reservations on the implementation but, of course, we will be giving our full support to the PBA for this innovation as this may give the fans more reasons to be excited (in) watching all our games,” said Victolero on Wednesday.

“I believe that this is something that we all have to look forward to, not just for all the players and competing teams but their supporters as well, because this is really something new to the basketball world. First time natin marinig in an official game, ‘Paul Lee for 4’,” Victolero said.

Victolero is, of course, referring to Paul Lee, who has also made a living in hitting shots from a few steps beyond the three-point line.

Lee was even crowned PBA All-Star MVP when he made 7-of-13 from four-point range in his 32-point performance during the exhibition game in Passi, Iloilo in 2023.

Now, Lee can hit the shots in an official PBA game following the approval of the rule during the league’s planning session a few days ago.

The four-point shot was met with several comments from fans, mostly negative, but Victolero, even with his own hesitations with the new rule, is opting to look at the rule from a different perspective.

Victolero said the four-point shot will give players a new challenge in trying to improve their skills especially from the outside.

“It is somehow interesting and very challenging though for coaches in executing the defensive and offensive scheme kasi when you’re up or down by four points in the last seconds of the game, you have a chance to win or lose the game,” said Victolero.

“May this create some sort of a motivation to all our players in giving out their best and be a pioneer of this new rule,” Victolero said.