Jhonard Clarito made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, especially on offense, as Rain or Shine forced a deciding Game 3 in its PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup quarterfinal skirmish with TNT.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao did not seem surprised after role player Jhonard Clarito turned in an explosive performance in the Elasto Painters’ 121-113 win over TNT in Game 2 of their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup quarterfinal series on Sunday, May 12.
Clarito dropped a 29-point bomb, including a booming three-pointer in a quick follow-up to Santi Santillan's basket which sparked Rain or Shine's 12-2 closing tear that allowed the team to drag its best-of-three series duel with TNT to a decider.
“Parang si Shaun (Ildefonso, teammate) din ito. Bagong pirma ng kontrata [kaya may] may inspirasyon sila. Siguro, every week, papipirmahin namin ng bagong kontrata mga 'to,” said Guiao in jest.
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The contract extension Clarito signed is proving to be the right move for the Elasto Painters as the sophomore guard continues to be a vital part of Guiao’s rotation.
Turning serious, the multi-titled mentor heaped praise on the hardworking cager.
“Pero ano 'to, eh, hard-nosed player,” Guiao said. “Masipag mag-practice, very rugged. Gusto ko 'yung natural 'yung physical game nya.”
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Guiao also noted Clarito's efforts to improve his scoring - one thing that he and his deputies recognize. Thus, the De Ocampo Memorial College product is slowly adding more minutes to his playing time.
“Nagsisipag siyang i-improve yung offensive skills niya. Kami nila coach Caloy (Garcia), napapansin namin 'yan kaya unti-unti, humahaba playing time niya.”
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Clarito, though, could only deflect credit to his teammates who fed him the entire game.
“Sabi ng coaches sa amin, kung ano ang ginagawa sa ensayo, dalhin namin sa game. Kung sino mang open, give and go lang para sa mga teammates namin. Sabi ng mga teammates ko, ako na ang open. So, tineyk advantage ko na,” he said.
Guiao needs Clarito and the rest of the Elasto Painters to play at a high level anew when they take on the Tropang Giga in Game 3 on Wednesday, May 15.