Jhonard Clarito had a perfect shooting night to help Rain or Shine sustain its spotless record in three matches in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Call him Michael Jhonard.
Ten days removed from gaining the Most Improved Player recognition at the Leo Awards to start the PBA season, Clarito has continued to impress with his game for Rain or Shine in the ongoing Governors' Cup.
Clarito fired 24 points on a perfect 9-for-9 shooting from the field as the Elasto Painters preserved a 3-0 slate via a 124-105 win over NLEX on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Rain or Shine waylays NLEX to stay unscathed in Group B play in Governors' Cup]
Asked about his ward's individual plum for his performance last season, coach Yeng Guiao first jokingly referred to Clarito as "Michael Jhonard," a play on his charge's name and that of basketball legend Michael Jordan, before turning serious as he pointed out the characteristics that made him worthy of his accolade.
"Michael Jhonard na ang tawag namin dito," said Guiao, in jest.
"Deserving naman siya kasi ang sipag nito sa practice. Kahit sigawan mo, murahin mo, wala lang sa kanya. Nagbubunga ang tiyaga niya. 'Yung pagpapasensya niya," added Guiao during the post-game press conference.
Jhonard Clarito shows up for Rain or Shine against NLEX in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Wednesday, Aug. 28. | Photo (c) RM Chua
Clarito deflected the credit to his teammates and coaches.
"Masuwerte ako sa teammates ko. Credit sa kanila 'yun. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, sa mga coaches, hindi ko makukuha 'yun (Most Improved Player award)," said Clarito.
Despite the recognition, Clarito keeps aspiring to get better.
He said there are aspects of his game that he finds wanting.
"Ini-improve pa po ang depensa at saka outside shooting. Madami pa ring kulang," said Clarito.
The same goes for the rest of the Elasto Painters as things are expected to get tougher after they seized their third straight win for the sole top spot in Group B.
"Malaking bagay nitong good start. Kasi nag-start na kami ng 0-5, nag-start na kami ng 0-4. Parang nasa ibang mundo kami [ngayon]. Nag-start kami ng 3-0. Hindi kami sanay yata sa ganito," said Guiao.
"Nakikita mong gumaganda 'yung laro ng mga bata. Natutuwa ako. Sabi ko nga kanina, nag-e-enjoy akong panoorin 'yung sarili naming laro. Nag-e-enjoy akong makitang naglalaro sila. Siguro, nag-e-enjoy din 'yung mga nanonood," added the firebrand mentor.