Jerrick Ahanmisi signs deal with Magnolia, joins stacked Hotshots backcourt

Jerrick Ahansmisi heaved a sigh of relief after finally reaching a deal with Magnolia on Monday.

He shared that he agreed to a two-year pact, although he did not disclose further terms of the contract.

But the former Adamson University standout knows the grind has not even started yet.

Ahanmisi, who was picked 10th overall by the Hotshots in the recent draft, admitted that he still has a lot to work on. And being on a team best known for its loaded and deep backcourt, he said he’s willing to prove his value.

“Whatever the team and coach Chito (Victolero) wants me to do, I’ll just do it. Whatever it is,” he told GMA News Online.

“And it’s kind of intimidating to see that this team has a lot of guards who are all veterans but my goal is to really learn from them and hopefully, help them reach a title.”

The younger brother of Alaska’s Maverick Ahanmisi will play alongside---and fight for minutes against--- veterans like Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Justin Melton and Jio Jalalon, as well as Hotshots’ new signee Loren Bill, who's coming from the free agency market.

Ahanmisi said he doesn’t mind logging shorter playing minutes on the court as long as he can show what he’s been doing off it.

“Before the lockdown, I got to practice three or four times with the team and I can say that I think I can get along with them,” said the former Soaring Falcon.

“I kind of expect that these veterans will really carry the team but I’m just willing to do whatever I can to help this team. It’s been a lifelong dream to step in the PBA and I’m just enjoying it.”

Asked if there’s any kind of pressure plunging into a team with a rich winning tradition, Ahanmisi stressed there’s none. In fact, he said he’s more excited to face his brother once the league resumes action.

“For me, I don’t think there’s really a pressure. I’m just going in to work my hardest and it will all be shown on the floor,” said the 23-year-old versatile gunner.

“Definitely, I’m excited to face him (Maverick). It’s been a dream for both of us to play against each other since we were younger. It’s going to be fun.” —JMB, GMA News