MANILA – Magnolia Hotshots spitfire Jiovani Jalalon is very much motivated to finally taste a championship after settling for runner up finishes in the collegiate ranks and in the PBA.
Speaking to the media during the pre-finals press conference on Tuesday, the Cagayan de Oro City native said he is hoping to finally nail the gold when his Hotshots battles with Alaska Aces in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup starting Dec. 5.
“Simula college pa lang pati pagpasok ko dito noong rookie ako, ang dami ng lessons learned. So siguro, ito na ‘yung best chance para maipakita ko kung ano ang kaya ko para sana makamit ko na y’ung first championship ko,” Jalalon said.
He added: “Alam nating mahirap talaga makakuha ng championship o makaabot man ng finals. Hindi talaga basta-basta. Kaya para sa akin, ibibigay ko lang best ko kahit anong mangyari.”
Jalalon had two finals appearances with the Arellano University Chiefs in the NCAA men’s basketball but both times his school placed second to powerhouse San Beda University Red Lions.
The former national men’s basketball team guard was again a bridesmaid finisher in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup when the Hotshots bowed to San Miguel Beermen in five games.
The 26-year-old Jalalon, however, said he sees that this time is his best chance to finally hoist a championship trophy with his team Hotshots having an equal chance on the Aces.
“Iba talaga ang San Beda at iba ang San Miguel. Pero sabi nga nila, magandang series ito. Both teams pareho lang ng style so makikita natin na walang may advantage,” Jalalon said. “So para sa aming mga players, buwis-buhay at trabaho lang.”/PN
