An apologetic Jio Jalalon vowed he will never play in a ligang labas again after being caught doing so last February.
Magnolia suspended the diminutive point guard after he played in a non-PBA sanctioned game in Laguna. He saw action in the match along with Vic Manuel and Calvin Abueva.
Manuel, who’s been sanctioned before due to the same reason, has also been suspended by Alaska.
“Nasuspindi ako sa practice. Lesson learned ko ‘yun,” said Jalalon, who was suspended indefinitely but got reinstated days after.
“Dapat hindi na ako maglaro sa ganoon kasi professional na ako.”
Asked why he still played despite knowing the consequences he could suffer, the Arellano University product said that it was just tough for him to say no to his friend’s invitation.
“Ininvite ako ng kaibigan ko. Mahirap naman tumanggi so pinatulan ko na lang,” Jalalon admitted.
Coach Chito Victolero has said that he had sought the help of the team’s veterans such as PJ Simon and Mark Barroca to give Jalalon some guidance, and the latter listened.
“Binigyan nila ako ng guidance. Natuto naman ako doon. Kung uulitin ko pa ‘yun, ako na talaga ang mali,” he said.
Jalalon saw action in the Hotshots’ season opener against San Miguel on Sunday. And he made up for his mistake with eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Unfortunately, Magnolia bowed to the Beermen, 78-94, in the rematch of the last two Philippine Cup Finals.
“Gusto ko lang tulungan ‘yung team.
“Pero ang dami naming errors. Talo talaga kami. Sa first quarter pa lang, ang dami na (seven),” the four-year pro said moments after the match.
