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PBA: Star Hotshots coach keeps faith in Tony Mitchell

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/tvpatrol/04/16/tony-mitchell.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Star import Tony Mitchell reacts to a call in their game against San Miguel. <cite>Richard Esguerra, <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/photos" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports</a></cite></div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – Star import Tony Mitchell got a vote of confidence from head coach Chito Victolero after his performance was adversely affected by fouls for a second straight game.After a 22-point, nine-rebound, five-foul game in a 98-113 loss to Ginebra, Mitchell tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds, but also fouled out with 2:49 left to play in their game against the San Miguel Beermen on Sunday.Star lost, 97-103, for their second straight setback of the 2017 PBA Commissioner&#x27;s Cup.Mitchell, who was clearly frustrated with the officiating against San Miguel, declined to talk to reporters after the game, but his coach made it clear that the young import still has his confidence.&quot;Okay naman siya,&quot; Victolero said of Mitchell. &quot;Sa ngayon, may nakalaban kaming two elite teams, siguro kulang lang &#x27;yung preparation niya. I will talk to him na kailangan niyang mag-step up pa, para makapantay sa mga import ng kalaban.&quot;[He&#x27;s still okay. We played two elite teams, and maybe he lacked in preparation. I will talk to him and tell him he needs to step up to match the other team&#x27;s import.]<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2017/04/16/beermen-extend-unbeaten-run-three-taking-star-24786">READ: Beermen extend unbeaten run to three after taking down Star</a></li></ul>The 25-year-old Mitchell was dominant in Star&#x27;s first four games – all victories – and wowed the crowd with his athleticism. However, he was exposed by Ginebra&#x27;s versatile Justin Brownlee last April 9, and was again outplayed by San Miguel&#x27;s Charles Rhodes on Sunday.Rhodes proved too strong inside the post against Mitchell, and the SMB reinforcement was able to bait Mitchell into bad fouls in consecutive possessions during crunch time, the last of which was the Star import&#x27;s sixth of the game.A frustrated Mitchell could only walk slowly to the bench as SMB fans serenaded him with &quot;Uwi, uwi, uwi&quot; chants.&quot;Kailangan niya lang to learn from that mistake, learn from the game,&quot; said Victolero. &quot;Kailangan lang niya mag-improve, kasi kasi kailangan namin siya eh.&quot;[He needs to learn from his mistakes and learn from the game. He needs to improve, because we need him.]There is never a good time for an import to foul out, but Mitchell&#x27;s timing was especially poor as the Hotshots were playing without Aldrech Ramos, who suffered a nose injury in the first quarter after a collision against Rhodes. They were already without Marc Pingris, who missed another game due to a hip injury.&quot;Right now, maraming may injuries,&quot; Victolero said. &quot;Kailangan niya lang mag-step up in both ends, lalo na sa opensa. Madami na talagang may injury, so kailangan na namin &#x27;yung presence niya ngayon.&quot;[A lot of players are injured, and we need him to step up on both ends, but especially on offense. We need his presence right now.]Victolero is confident that they can lift up Mitchell&#x27;s spirits in time for their crucial game against Blackwater on Saturday.&quot;Kailangan lang natin kausapin at bigyan pa ng motivation. Positibo lang tayo,&quot; he said.[We just need to talk to him and motivate him. We&#x27;re still positive.]For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank"> ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Star import Tony Mitchell got a vote of confidence from head coach Chito Victolero after his performance was adversely affected by fouls for a second straight game.

Star import Tony Mitchell got a vote of confidence from head coach Chito Victolero after his performance was adversely affected by fouls for a second straight game.

PBA: Star Hotshots coach keeps faith in Tony Mitchell

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PBA: Star Hotshots coach keeps faith in Tony Mitchell

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 16, 2017 11:38 PM PHT

Read More:

PBA

Commissioner's Cup

Star Hotshots

San Miguel Beermen

Charles Rhodes

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