PBA: Jio Jalalon maturing into another elite Magnolia guard, says Chito Victolero

Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia notched its fourth straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the expense of Rain or Shine, thanks in large part to Jio Jalalon stepping up to the plate.

The Hotshots had huge help from Jalalon in the Hotshots’ 112-97 win over the Elasto Painters at Philsports Arena on Wednesday, much to the delight of coach Chito Victolero.

“As you guys can see, he’s working hard and right now, his maturity is a huge thing. That’s what we always remind him of. Jio is a big factor for us on both ends of the court because of his energy and smartness,” told Victolero.

“Sometimes he’s too fast. His energy is there but once he enjoys it, he can be too much. We’re okay when he enjoys it but that’s when he gets over, that’s when we need to remind him to slow down. But, that’s much better compared to having no energy.”

Jalalon came away with 19 points in the victory, but his shifty also resulted in two turnovers.

WATCH: Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon and coach Chito Victolero after win against Rain or Shine. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/PhWKS1C0U5

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 22, 2023

He registered a near double-double with eight rebounds while dropping four of the team’s 22 assists, something that was beneficial in the Hotshots’ lopsided win.

“Rain or Shine was getting closer to us so we had to settle down and focus on the schemes given by our coaches. They also reminded us about our ball movement. We followed that so our score pulled away,” said the quick guard.

The 5-foot-9 playmaker also gave credit to his coaches, saying he would not be in the position he is in without their “words of wisdom.”

“For me, I’m always guided by coach Chito (Victolero) and coach Johnny (Abarrientos). If I make a mistake on the court, they’re just behind me. All of the things they told me, I just followed them and I learned from them and their words of wisdom,” Jalalon said.

“When I go to the court, my mindset is to just give my best. I don’t mind the fatigue that’s set to arrive as long as I give my best, that way I won’t doubt myself when I get home.

Helping Jalalon in the backcourt were star guards Mark Barroca and Paul Lee.

Barroca registered 19 markers while Lee finished with 19 to his name to go along with five dimes and three boards.

Both guards can be considered to be in the “elite” level due to their experiences and accolades in the league but Victolero said Jalalon, himself is “getting there” on par with the other Magnolia cagers.

“I think Jio is getting there. His maturity is the biggest factor now because he’s slowly learning when to attack and when not to,” Victolero said.

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