Former National University Bulldogs captain J-Jay Alejandro was at the Pasig Sports Center on Monday afternoon, making his debut for the Go for Gold Scratchers. After their 75-68 win over the Gamboa-St. Clare Coffee Lovers, he immediately packed his bags and headed for the exit.
Why was he in a rush? He did not want to be late for Gilas practice later on.
PHOTO by PBA Images
“Sayang, malapit na ako eh. Pasig lang. Walang showbiz-showbiz, malapit lang talaga,” shared Alejandro, who had five points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for Go for Gold. “Wala rin akong gagawin kasi.
“Tsaka minsan lang magpa-tawag ng practice, every Monday lang, so sayang ‘yung chance makapag-practice.”
The 6-foot-2 combo guard was a much-needed body by the Gilas pool, as only eight players suited up for Monday’s session. Besides helping out the seniors team, the 22-year-old is looking at the sessions as a way to both improve and get in touch with his former collegiate foes.
“Well, ganoon talaga eh. Player, mapapagod at mapapagod ka talaga,” said the All-UAAP team member.
“Pero nakakasama ko sila Arvin Tolentino, sila CJ Perez, tsaka ‘yung ibang mga PBA players, siyempre experience ‘yun eh, tsaka learning process din sa akin.”
Moreover, he knows that being under the tutelage of coach Chot Reyes will only do wonders for him, especially with the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft just months away.
“Mas pisikal talaga sa PBA. ‘Yun, kung paano mo gagamitin ang utak mo pati ‘yung katawan mo sa tamang posisyon sa laro, makukuha ko yun rito,” he said.
“Well sa akin kasi, ‘yung mapabilang ka sa Gilas, mapabilang lang ang pangalan mo sa Gilas, sobrang fortunate na ako, sobrang blessed na ako,” Alejandro added.
“And siguro sa akin, may opportunity na nag-open, so iga-grab ko na lang — either PBA or Gilas.”
