J-Jay Alejandro finally makes Charles Tiu proud

For J-jay Alejandro, it’s all about repaying the trust given to him.

The National University product was the main man in the Go For Gold Scratchers’ 81-69 drubbing of the Perpetual Altas on Tuesday afternoon, finishing with 23 points spiked by five triples, along with five rebounds and four assists.

“Well I just want to give back the trust na binibigay sa’kin ni coach Charles [Tiu] at ng coaches,” said the 23 for 2023 Gilas cadet, after the match at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

“And siyempre, para rin kay Kent [Salado].”

Alejandro has been a consistent cog for the Scratchers, averaging 10 points and 6.33 assists in their last three outings where they went 1-2. But coach Charles Tiu said that this is the first time he felt satisfied with Alejandro’s play.

“This is the first game that I’m actually happy with the way he played,” said Tiu, as he saw Alejandro unload nine markers in the final frame alone.

“One game he turned the ball over too much, the other games, he lacked effort defensively.

“We talked a bit and nanggaling mismo sa kanya that he needs to do better and that’s what I appreciate,” he added. “[But] he still has some aspects of his game he also has to improve on. Hopefully he can help us win a few more games.”

It was flattering, to say the least, for the 22-year-old guard to be showered with such praise. But the UAAP Season 80 Mythical Team member is simply happy that he and Go For Gold won and snapped their two-game skid.

“Well it was a big win for us. Sabi ng coaches, if we want to make it to the playoffs, we have to win this game,” said Alejandro, a one-time UAAP gold medalist.

“Buti nag-answer sa call yung mga teammates ko and ako.”