Rookie Jalalon catches fancy of veteran teammates at Star
GETTING his baptism of fire, Jio Jalalon was able to share spotlight in a star-studded, guard-heavy line up of the Star Hotshots.
On Sunday, the former Arellano University stalwart finished with 11 points, five rebounds and a steal for a promising debut in the Hotshots’ 88-96 loss to the defending champions San Miguel Beermen.
Marc Pingris and fellow veteran Mark Barroca acknowledged the effort shown by the promising newcomer, who managed to put on a show in the small ball lineup of new Star coach Chito Victolero.
“He shows no fear. He plays similar to Mark Barroca,” Mr. Pingris told BusinessWorld in an interview.
Jalalon shared the floor with Paul Lee, the team’s new acknowledged lead quarterback, and Barroca.
For his part, Barroca believes Jalalon has a bright future ahead of him.
“It’s only the first game, yet he was able to prove he belongs in the PBA,” added Mr. Barroca.
Jalalon said he was shocked at first glance when he was matched up against bigger, better players.
“I was shocked. I found out that games in the PBA are a lot more physical, players are bigger and better and I have to make adjustments as fast as possible,” said Jalalon, picked by the Hotshots in the special draft for Gilas Cadet stalwarts.
But with the aid of coaches Johnny Abarrientos, one of the league’s all-time best point guards ever, former coach Jason Webb and Victolero, Jalalon was able to make adjustments in his game. He got quick pointers by starting on the defensive end.
“I was told by (assistant) coach Jason Webb that since this is my first game, I have to start by playing defense, to get my confidence there. So when I picked up two rebounds and able to make some stops, I was able to get my rhythm going,” added Jalalon. “From there, I started to become more aggressive on the offensive end.”