Since he established a name for himself during his Arellano Chiefs days as a triple-double machine, many have been anticipating when will do-it-all point guard Jio Jalalon would achieve a triple-double in the pro ranks.
That wish got granted on Friday night, in the second leg of the 2018 PBA All-Star Week in Batangas City.
Jalalon made a huge impact in the SMART All-Star National Team’s 152-149 victory over the Luzon All-Stars, producing 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in the 26 minutes and 27 seconds he graced the floor.
Moreover, Jalalon made history with his first PBA triple-double. The 25-year-old became the first player to finish with a triple-double in an All-Star Game since former league Most Valuable Player Willie Miller did back in 2007.
This, even if the 5-foot-9 floor general hurt his ankle with 6:04 to go in the game.
“First time ko nga mag-triple-double sa PBA. Masaya naman ako,” said the Cagayan De Oro-native. “Nung pag-sprain ko sinabihan lang ako eh. Pinilit ko tapos yun nga, nakuha ko yung triple double. So wala lang naman, enjoy lang.
“Have fun lang para sa fans.”
Personal achievement aside, Lady Luck is apparently on Jalalon’s side. He’s now 2-0 in this All-Star Week — he got his first win last Wednesday, May 23, as he was a part of the Mindanao All-Stars that tore apart SMART, 144-130.
“Naisip ko, 2-0 na ko sa All Star so swerte,” he shared. “Tsaka sabi ni coach Yeng (Guiao) kailangan bumawi, bumawi tayo kasi nga talo nga sila sa Mindanao.
“So yun, ginawa ni Terrence (Romeo), pinag-tulungan talaga namin.”
Jalalon, of course, is keen on making his record 3-0, as he will suit up for the Nationals again on Sunday, May 27, versus the Visayas All-Stars. His status, however, is still uncertain due to his hurt ankle, but he only hopes for the best.
“Tignan natin kung anong ano ng paa ko. Hindi naman malala,” he pointed out.
“Nakaapak lang ako ng sapatos ni kuya LA (Tenorio) so okay lang.“
