From being 1-on-1 king, Herndon now a 5-on-5 champ with Magnolia

Robbie Herndon finds his latest championship sweeter than his 2016 1-on-1 championship. PBA Media Group

By Ivan Saldajeno

ANTIPOLO--Two years ago, Robbie Herndon introduced himself to the Philippine basketball community by ruling the Red Bull King of the Rock tournament, beating pro hoops legend Willie Miller in the final.

[Related Story: Herndon survives "ageless" Miller to win 1-on-1 cagefest]

Now, here he is, winning his first club title with Magnolia in the Philippine Basketball Association.

In an interview with Dugout Philippines on Wednesday night after his team clinched the Governors' Cup championship at the Ynares Center, Herndon said that this one is way sweeter than his previous accolade.

"In the 1-on-1 championship, I didn't practice for it. I just showed up. But this, we practice everyday--all year long really. There's a lot more work put into this," said Herndon.

For him, also, what makes his first PBA championship even more memorable is that he won it with his newfound "family".

"I got a special group of guys on this team, and that's what makes it even more special. Winning a championship is great, but winning that with a group of guys that all get along just like a family makes it feel even better," he continued.

He added, "I am blessed to be with a team that's already ready to go and ready to win a championship. As a rookie, I just wanna focus on fitting in with the system, and I feel I did a great job with that. It's just the rookie season, but I'm already a champion. So what else can I ask for?"

He then credited Coach Chito Victolero's system that for him is very effective.

"I like our system. As long as we're winning, there's nothing wrong with it," Herndon further said.

Now that his colorful rookie season in the PBA is over, it's now time for him to make way for the Hotshots' new stalwarts, Mike Calisaan and Jeepy Faundo, and he is ready to offer help.

"I was given a lot of help with the vets when I first came in. I'd try to do the same for them--trying to teach them what to do. If they need help, I'm there for them. I'm excited to meet them. They're joining a really good team," Herndon said on the incoming rookies.

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