Jio Jalalon feels immensely grateful to have Mark Barroca as his roommate inside the PBA bubble, since the veteran point guard is someone he admires and wants to emulate as he improves.
“Ako, ginagaya ko si Kuya Mark kasi sobrang sipag ni Kuya Mark eh,” the four-year pro out of Arellano told 2OT, presented by SMART Sunday.
“Kung anong ginagawa niya, ginagawa ko rin para rin sa sarili ko.”
In particular, Jalalon has been mimicking the work that the decorated floor general puts in to take care of his body.
“Nagkakaintindihan kami. Kung anong ginagawa niya, ginagaya ko lang. At saka dito sa kwarto namin lagi kaming nagco-core [work], nagpapakundisyon talaga kami para maiwas kami sa injury,” he said.
And their efforts have been showing on the court so far in the season.
Jalalon is averaging 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Meanwhile, Barroca is norming 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in five games played.
The Magnolia Hotshots are in a funk, though. It has lost its last three games, including a tough 84-91 loss to Phoenix last night.
Given the tough stretch, Jalalon appreciates having the 34-year-old as his roommate because of his wisdom in life.
“Thankful ako na naging teammate ko si Kuya Mark kasi shine-share niya about kay God. Lahat ng mga ano niya sa buhay nila, shineshare niya rin sa akin. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Kuya Mark na sinamahan niya ako doon papunta kay God talaga. Mga sharings about sa buhay, kung paano mo dadalhin ‘yung life mo sa labas or sa loob ng bahay,” he said.
“Kaya nagpapasalamat talaga ako kay Kuya Mark na naging teammate ko siya, naging roommate ko siya, kasi ang dami kong natutunan sa kanya.”
