Magnolia taps Tyler Bey for PBA Commissioner's Cup

Tyler Bey.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Magnolia has decided to bring in a swingman for the upcoming PBA Commissioner's Cup.

As announced by the league on Friday, the Hotshots have signed up Tyler Bey for the season-opening conference which begins on Oct. 15.

Bey, a former second-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is listed at six-feet-seven, which means he would easily pass the six-foot-nine height limit for the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Bey played 18 games for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2020-21 NBA season although in very limited minutes.

However, he was a star for the University of Colorado during his amateur days, averaging 13.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks a game in his junior year, right before he declared for the NBA Draft.

Bey was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team for the 2019-2020 season and was also named the collegiate conference's Defensive Player of the Year, convincing Magnolia coach Chito Victolero to bring him into his defense-oriented system.

"Bagay siya sa amin, athletic at bata," Victolero said in the PBA website.

Bey moved to Israel after two seasons bouncing around the NBA and NBA G-League, joining Ironi Ness Ziona for the past season.

He was named the Israeli Basketball Premier League last season, showing that he too can contribute in offense.

"He can also play either shooting guard or small forward and he has an inside-outside game," Victolero further said.

Bey is expected to fly to the Philippines and join Magnolia by the middle of September.

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