Less distractions equates to better on-court performance for Jio Jalalon

Magnolia Hotshots guard Jio Jalalon registered his best game so far of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup in the Hotshots 109-98 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Jalalon recorded a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists on top of six rebounds coming off the bench as Magnolia rolled into a 2-0 start in the season-ending tournament.

Beforehand, Jalalon also had a solid start in the conference after tallying eight points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the opener against Terrafirma.

With solid back-to-back outing, the former Arellano University Chief hopes to keep it going and vowed to work even harder to atone for his lackluster showing in the last conference.

“Hindi ko inexpect na ganun pala ‘yung stats ko,” said Jalalon. “Pinaghandaan namin ng ilang days ito. Laging nire-remind ni coach Chito [Victolero] sa akin na second group, laging magbigay ng energy. ‘Yung first group, beterano sila. Kailangang mahigitan namin ‘yung energy ng Rain or Shine.”

If there is one person who isn’t surprised by Jalalon’s all-around showing, it was none other than his coach Chito Victolero. But he was quick to remind that the fiery guard needs to be consistent in his play in order for Magnolia to have a decent run for the title.

“During the bubble, it was on-and-off Jio. There’s a game na maganda ‘yung game niya sa bubble. Meron ding hindi maganda. But now, consistency, ‘yun ang pinag-usapan namin. I talked to Jio na he needs to be consistent,” Victolero said.

“It’s up to Jio. Sana magtuloy ‘yung ganitong klase ng laro niya. ‘Yung assist-turnover ratio niya, maganda na, ‘yung points, at importante, ‘yung energy coming off the bench,” said Victolero.

Jalalon agreed with his coach, noting that he is focusing entirely on putting the work in this conference and is constantly reminding himself not to deal with off-court distractions.

“Tama si coach. Daming struggles sa buhay. ‘Yun naman tayo eh. ‘Yung buhay natin, hindi natin alam eh. Si Lord lang nakakaalam kung paano. Siya lang ang magko-control sayo,” said the Magnolia guard.

“Minotivate ko sarili ko na magtrabaho ako ng husto at walang distraction sa buhay. Lahat puro tama na,” he added.