Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao hardly needed time to think when asked which former player of his reminds him of Jhonard Clarito.
“Kapag nakikita ko si Jhonard, parang si Junthy nakikita ko rito,” he said.
The champion bench tactician was referring to Junthy Valenzuela, whom he mentored during his time with Red Bull from 2000-09
Elevated from the franchise’s PBL team in 2000, the Cebuano cager was a reliable two-way player who helped the club win all three of its PBA titles.
A winger that stands at 6-foot-3, not only was he a solid defender but Valenzuela was as dependable as well in clutch situations.
Clarito, on the other hand, has proven himself as a two-way guy as well from his time in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League to now in the majors.
There’s only one difference in Guiao’s eyes.
“Gwapo lang ng konti kay Junthy,” said the good-humored coach in jest, smiling. “Konti lang, mga isa’t-kalahating paligo lang.”
Jokes aside, he’s been key in the Elasto Painters’ attempt to turn their fortunes around in the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup after a 0-5 start.
That was evident in their 116-105 win over Terrafirma on Saturday for win no. 4. There, he finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Clarito shot an efficient 6-of-8 from the field, and also collected a pair of steals and a block in the 17 minutes and 20 seconds he played.
“‘Yung laro niya … ‘yun ang nakikita ko,” said Guiao.
