Jio Jalalon is thankful for the trust and confidence given to him by coach Chito Victolero after strong performances in the last two games propelled the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok to a 2-1 lead over the NLEX Road Warriors in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series.
The sophomore guard showed why he has taken his game to another level Wednesday when he dropped a career-high 25 points with five rebounds, three assists and two steals to help the Hotshots beat the Road Warriors, 106-99, in Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jalalon, who had nine points, six rebounds and 10 assists in Magnolia's 99-84 Game 2 win that tied the best-of-seven affair, said his recent play would have not been possible without Victolero's belief.
"Dun tumaas yung tingin ko sa sarili ko," said Jalalon. "Pasalamat ako kay coach Chito na binigyan niya ako ng tiwala. Nagagawa ko na rin yung talent ko dito sa semis, sana magtuloy-tuloy
His role grew after Justin Melton hurt his hamstring during Magnolia's 88-87 loss in the series opener, Mark Barroca playing despite an ankle problem and ace scorer Paul Lee being a marked man all throughout.
That is why Victolero is glad that Jalalon is meeting his expectations after a forgetful Game 1 showing that saw the former Arellano University held scoreless after missing six shots in almost 15 minutes.
Sponsored content:
"Actually, ka-text ko yang si Jio. I told him na in order to establish himself sa PBA, he needs this series para na kahit papaano makuha yung momentum niya and his confidence," said Victolero. "Happy ako na nag-respond siya sa challenge ko." (JT)
