JIO Jalalon may just be the third option in Magnolia's pesky backcourt rotation of coach Chito Victolero.
But he makes sure to be always prepared and ready to deliver when needed.
That's what exactly the 5-foot-9 guard did in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals when he was suddenly entrusted in the Hotshots' starting unit in lieu of the hurting Mark Barroca.
The 35-year-old Barroca talked to Victolero prior to the game and suggested for Jalalon to take his place in the starting five.
"Mark talked to me kasi may nararamdaman nga siya. And sabi niya nga, 'coach start mo muna si Jio," recalled Victolero.
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The ever obedient soldier, Jalalon did his part and sparked what was Magnolia's best start in the series against TnT Tropang Giga.
He scored seven of his 11 points in the opening quarter that allowed the Hotshots to dictate the tempo and win the game, 106-98.
Jalalon, who usually comes off the bench for either Barroca or Lee, shot 5-of-8 from the floor, and added three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the victory that cut TnT's lead in the best-of-seven series at 2-1.
Victolero credited Jalalon for the Hotshots' energetic start that eventually rubbed off to the rest of his teammates.
"Si Jio naman always ready yan. And thankful ako sa bata because he started very strong on both ends of the floor," he said.
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"I talked to Jio before the game, very important kasi yung mindset niya. Nakuha niya naman yung gusto naming mangyari, and hopefully, magtuluy-tuloy yung game ni Jio." (RG)
