Jio Jalalon continues to atone for Philippine Cup Finals no-show

Magnolia Hotshots sophomore Jio Jalalon has been playing like a man on a mission during the first two games of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.

And it’s because he is.

So far, the 5-foot-9 floor general out of Cagayan de Oro has been averaging 7.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 3.5 assists per game.

For Jalalon, he needs to go all-out in this time around after a forgettable first finals appearance during the Philippine Cup against the San Miguel Beermen.

“Hindi ako nakatulong nung first finals ko,” he reflected.

“Gusto kong makabawi sa mga kuya ko. Gusto ko lang makatulong.”

During that time, Jalalon looked awestruck as he faced the trio of Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, and Marcio Lassiter. The national team stalwart only posted norms of 5.6 points on 23.9 percent field goal shooting to go along with 4.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the five-game series.

With that experience under his belt, Jalalon is now torching the likes of Jvee Casio and Chris Banchero this time around.

“Laking experience yung natutunan ko nung first Finals ko. Kalaban namin nung San Miguel,” he added.

“Kailangan ko trabahuin yung sarili ko para pagdating sa second Finals ko, makabawi ako.”

And his kuyas are starting to take notice, lauding Jalalon’s effort to lift them to their first crown in four years.

“Sabi ko nga sa kanya, yung mga ganitong big moments, puwede siya mag-step up. Nakikita ko naman sa kanya grabe puso niya eh. Wala siyang takot. Parang hindi siya sophomore,” said the 32-year-old Mark Barroca proudly.

“Masaya nga ako ‘pag kasama siya.”