After being ruthlessly defended by Chris Banchero when he was still playing for Magnolia, Phoenix hotshot Matthew Wright is grateful to have the Fil-Italian guard on his side now.

During an appearance on the show “The Game,” the prolific gunner mentioned how pesky Banchero was in defending him. As fate would have it, Banchero turned from pest to pal in the offseason after he was traded to Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in exchange for Calvin Abueva.

"The first that I mentioned to him was you don't have to guard me anymore because he was really the one tasked, when he was with Magnolia, even on Alaska, he was the one guarding me for," shared Wright.

Wright added he knows from experience how good Banchero is on defense as he personally felt the intensity, which the latter competes with.

"I felt first-hand his defense. And I know how good a defender he is," admitted Wright. "And so I'm happy he's on my side of things now."

Wright also said that Banchero will also help on offense with his ability to push the ball in transition.

"Obviously we lost some key guys, but from the guard's perspective, he's a dynamic player. He pushes the ball and that's something we need,” said Wright. "I've told him to communicate on what we've both wanted to accomplish. He's on board, and I think he can be great for our team. (JNP)