Being part of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is like living under the the microscope: everything everyone does is magnified and talked about by, of course, their legions of fans.
New acquisition Jeff Chan is learning that now. Having established himself as one of the country’s best shooters, the expectations of him lighting it up on offense every given night are sky high.
However, his skills are yet to be seen. Across two games, the 34-year-old from Bacolod has just scored a total of eight points, and he hasn’t converted a single three-pointer in five attempts.
And that is why he is asking the Barangay faithful to take it easy on him.
“Medyo nakaka-pressure kasi parang every time na hawak ko yung bola, ine-expect ng mga tao, mashu-shoot ko,” admitted Chan, moments after Ginebra’s 105-86 win over the Alaska Aces, Sunday.
“Gusto ko sabihing, ‘Relax lang guys. Papasok din yan.'”
But shooting aside, Chan has been remarkable. After their dominant showing over the Aces, the six-foot-two swingman is now averaging 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and one steal.
“Jeff is playing great,” lauded head coach Tim Cone. “You know, he’s not hitting shots right now. We all feel bad for him, because it seems like every shot is rolling in and rolling out.
“But, he’s making great moves, he’s taking all the right shots, he’s making all the right passes. He’s defending. Imagine, we’re able to do this and Jeff is not making shots yet.”
“Gusto ko lang makatulong in any way. Yun lang,” said Chan, on the other hand, who is currently in his 10th season in the pro league.
“Babagsak din yan. Kanina niluluwa eh.”
