Jio Jalalon, arguably the best point guard in collegiate basketball today, is facing a tough choice nowadays: to play for the Gilas Cadets in the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge Cup in Iran, or to not miss a game with the Arellano University Chiefs.
The Chiefs currently sport a 7-2 slate in the seniors basketball tournament of the NCAA and are tied at second with the Perpetual Altas. Moreover, the Chiefs are just two games away from taking top seed, but are also a game back from falling out of the Top Four.
“Kami, gagawin namin win as much games as possible,” Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera said about the possibility of not having Jalalon during the crucial stretch of the season. “Mayroon kasing FIBA si Jiovani.”
“I don’t know his plans because he might leave for Iran.”
The Asia Challenge Cup is set to take place from September 9 to 18. The tournament will serve as the first step in determining the process of the qualifiers for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
Jalalon during the 2016 SEABA Cup
Jalalon, a Gilas Cadet veteran who has represented the country in numerous international tournaments, including the 2015 SEA Games and, most recently, the 2016 SEABA Cup, is the ace for the Chiefs. He currently averages 19.2 points, 7.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 steals in 31 minutes of game time.
“Hindi ako masyadong tutok sa Gilas kasi alam ng mga coaches nasa Arellano pa ako,” the Arellano seniors admitted.
Moreover, the 23-year-old, who has gone on the record to say that this might be his final year with the Chiefs, knows the huge responsibility he has with the school.
“Kung maraming games [ang ma-mimiss], stay na lang ako sa Arellano,” he shared.
“Marami pa akong kailangan gawin sa Arellano.”
“Ayokong isipin kasi very vital sa amin si Jiovani,” Codinera furthered. “Nandyan pa rin naman si [Kent] Salado kaso iba pa rin pag kumpleto at nandyan si Jiovani.”
The team’s second-leading scorer, and one of Jalalon’s closest friends, Kent Salado revealed a conversation he had with his friend.
“Nag-uusap kami, hindi naman ata sasama ‘to,” the sophomore shared. “Mas maganda pa rin kapag nandyan siya sa team.”
