Arguably the best playmaker in collegiate basketball today, Jio Jalalon has an incredible nose for involving his teammates and sharing the basketball, but he also knows when to take over.
In a must-win game against the San Beda College Red Lions, the Arellano Chiefs backcourt star showcased his take-charge mode, leading the offense of the squad which improved to 11-6 after beating the defending champions.
In the first quarter alone, Jalalon was nailing triples from top of the key, and then went on to punish the San Beda defense in transition with his blazing speed.
Head coach Jerry Codinera praised his backcourt general, who finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists.
“The reserves know how to control the game pero Jiovani is still different. Parang sa kanya sila nagdo-draw ng firepower,” he said.
Jalalon shared how his demeanor changed after the Chiefs lost back to back outings. Instead of engaging with the rest of the team, he tried to concentrate alone and figure what to do for the match against San Beda.
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Tahimik lang ako sa practice, and hindi ko kinakausap teammates ko maski kinukulit nila ako. Gusto kong pumasok sa Final Four,” Jalalon said.
“Nakikinig lang ako kay coach at nagfo-focus lang ako. Sabi ko sa sarili ko tahimik muna ako at kinakausap ko ang sarili ko. Sa last two losses namin kasi, enjoy kami (bago ang laro) e. So ngayon nagfocus lang ako. Meron ring (gigil) dahil hindi ko inexpect na ganito mangyayari e.”
That was Jalalon decided to take his game to another level and lead the way for Arellano.
“Iniisip ko noong hindi pa nagsisimula, kaya namin ang San Beda. Kasi noong first round nanalo kami sa kanila. Naisip ko lang na kailangan talaga magfocus. Iba na yung pinag-uusapan ngayon,” the Smart Elite ambassador added.
“Sarili ko nagdecide na ganito ang gagawin. Nakakatsamba rin siguro, hindi ko akalain na nakakashoot ako maski mga fastbreak. Buti naman pumasok.”
Jalalon is also thankful that some of his wild shots went in, but if there is one thing for sure, it’s that he’s willing to go the extra mile to hand a win to his crew.
