SETTLING for bridesmaid finishes for the most part of his basketball career, Jiovani “Jio” Jalalon can finally call himself a champion after Magnolia Hotshots hoisted the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup championship title.
The Cagayan de Oro native said it was an “achievement unlocked” for him after two runner-up finishes with Arellano University in the NCAA and a second-place ending with the Hotshots in the Philippine Cup.
“Sobrang sarap pala sa pakiramdam na makakuha ka ng ganitong championship. Iyong paghihirap naming lahat, ito na,” said the 26-year-old spitfire. “Ito na iyong Pamasko naming lahat.”
“Lagi kami magse-semis, nakaisa kaming Finals, pero di namin nakuha. Pero ngayon binigay ni God. Para sa amin talaga. Iyong hard work namin lahat nagbunga na,” he added.
Jalalon played a key role in Magnolia’s championship run and also had vital contribution in their title-clinching 102-86 victory over Alaska Aces in Game 6 on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The point guard, serving a six-game FIBA suspension for his role in the Gilas Pilipinas-Australia brawl in July, added that the championship capped off a blessed year for him, which saw him having his firstborn.
“Iyong baby ko talaga … paglabas niya, parang lalo pa akong ganadong magtrabaho para sa kanya, para hindi ko mapabayaan family ko. Thankful ako na dumating siya. Gift ni God para sa akin,” Jalalon said.
“Siguro tingin ko itong championship na iyong magpapahaba siguro ng career ko,” he
added. “Same pa rin iyong approach ko kahit nakakuha na ko ng championship. Same pa rin hanggang sa pagtanda ko.”
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A team consultant of TNT KaTropa is set to conduct a Christmas Elite Basketball Camp from Dec. 28 to 31 at the Talisay City gym in Negros Occidental.
The clinic of Mark Dickel, who is also an assistant coach for the New Zealand national men’s basketball team, will cater to 30 players each for the 11-14 years old and 15-18 years old groups.
Dickel, 41, was first selected for the New Zealand national basketball team in 1994 where he was both junior and senior Tall Blacks player of the year in 1995.
In 1997 he played in the World Under-23 championships in Melbourne and averaged 16 points and six assists. He was recognized as a top five player in the tournament.
Dickel also represented New Zealand in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics. He played in the 2002 FIBA World championship, finishing the tournament ranked third in assists per game.
Assisting Dickel in this camp is TJ7 Basketball Skills Training Skills coach Mark “Tata” Belangel, a University of St. La Salle Stingers consultant and assistant coach.
Registration for the training camp costs P2,000 per participant. For more information, contact Belangel at 0933-855-9068./PN
