After the Arellano University Chiefs’ win against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, head coach Jerry Codinera remarked that he is still looking for a third and fourth option for his team. Likening the duo of Jio Jalalon and Kent Salado to Ferraris, he said the team can’t lag behind their leaders.
“Hindi puwede yung Ferrari, KIA Pride lang ang makakasabay nila,” the PBA legend shared.
The Arellano backcourt may have added another weapon, as Donald Gumaru has been heating up the past three games, averaging 12 points per game, to help Arellano clinch their second-ever top two finish at the end of the elimination round.
During the Chiefs’ twice-to-beat advantage clinching game against the Mapua Cardinals, Gumaru bombarded the Intramuros squad with five triples. Three of those triples came in the last five minutes of the game that broke any momentum Mapua had.
“Di ko alam, sabi ni coach, sige tira ka lang ng tira,” shared Gumaru, who was celebrating his 24th birthday. “Ganun din ang sabi ng teammate ko, sila Jalalon, sige tira ka lang ng tira, mashu-shoot mo rin yan.”
“Sobrang halaga talaga sa amin kasi sya yung third guard sa amin kaya kailangan nya mag-step up. Maganda ang nilaro niya,” Jalalon remarked.
Prior to his 5-of-10 shooting during the game, the fifth-year Chief was just 6-for-44 from distance. With the playoffs looming, he is heating up at the right time and he hopes he can help lead Arellano to that elusive crown.
“Siguro ginawa ko lang yung best ko,” he concluded. “Inisip ko na last year ko ngayon at ibigay ko na dapat yung best ko hanggang matapos yung season.”
“Gusto rin namin makapasok sa finals kaya dapat magtulungan kami. Bibigay namin ang best namin every game.”
