The soft-spoken sophomore Jonathan Grey insisted that there wasn’t anything personal whatsoever, as his career-high tying performance came at the expense of former team Meralco Bolts, Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-2 guard unloaded 24 points, with 13 coming in the third quarter alone, on 8-of-14 shooting along with five rebounds, two assists, and a block, leading the GlobalPort Batang Pier to a convincing 107-88 victory.
“Nothing personal.
“Siguro nagkakataon lang na everytime na kalaban ko former team ko, yun, sinuswerte,” said the College of Saint Benilde product, who was shipped to GlobalPort in May 2017 through a four-team trade.
GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio, however, was the least surprised with the way the former Gilas Pilipinas member played against the Bolts.
“Naka-ready talaga ang mga players na ‘yan. Ready to shine anytime,” said Jarencio.
“Basta sabi ko sa kanila, talo ng masipag ang magaling. Basta masipag ka lang, tatalunin mo ‘yung mga magagaling.”
Ever since Jarencio came into the fold, Grey has been seeing longer minutes on the court. Grey had already shared that he has committed himself to the veteran mentor’s system, and now, he is clearly reaping the benefits.
“Sobrang thankful ako, laging andyan sina Coach Pido at yung management, talagang binibigay nila yung confidence sa’kin,” said Grey, who is now posting an average of 11.8 points per game. “Struggle ako nung start eh. Pero yung tiwala nila, nandiyan pa rin.”
Asked if he has already reached his full potential or will he still be able to push it higher, Grey didn’t give out anything certain, saying that all he’s concerned with is giving his all at every given opportunity.
“‘Di ko alam eh,” said the Laguna-born cager. “Every time naman naglalaro ako, I always give my 100 percent lang to win para sa team. Yun lang.
“Wala ako ibang iniisip, basta iniisip ko lang gusto ko lang manalo every game.”
