Jhonard Clarito aided Rain or Shine in its strong start and even greater finish in its Game 3 win over Magnolia in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals.
While coach Yeng Guiao rained praises on Elasto Painters import Aaron Fuller, the fiery mentor did not forget to also laud Jhonard Clarito who earned the coveted seat next to him reserved for the Best Player of the Game as the winning team is interviewed by the press.
Fuller played through an eye injury in Game 3 Sunday night, Sept. 28, to help Rain or Shine move a win away from the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinals.
But he did not do it singlehandedly.
The rest of the Elasto Painters, including Clarito, did their job to secure their convincing bounce-back win, 111-106, in overtime following a 69-121 massacre two days ago.
Clarito scored a second-best 18 points next to Fuller's team-high 29. Clarito anchored his offensive output on three triples while also collaring eight rebounds, handing a pair of assists, swiping the same number of steals and denying one shot.
"Si Jhonard played with his heart out and, ano ito, blood, sweat and tears, literal. So, kanina, dinugo ilong pero laro pa rin," said Guiao on his ward's response in the highly physical match.
He even noted how Clarito was an all-around player, even jokingly mentioning one of his skills off the court, which is, apparently, cooking.
"Puwede mong gamiting panlaban sa import, pangdepensa, puwedeng pang-opensa. Magaling din magluto 'to kung gusto niyong magluto 'to," said Guiao, prompting a smile from Clarito.
"Kahit saan puwede 'to si Jhonard."
Jhonard Clarito in action during Rain or Shine's Game 3 duel against Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Sunday, Sept. 29 | Photo (c) PBA
Guiao said that he was glad that the team was able to control their emotions and deliver until the final buzzer, especially against a veteran team like Magnolia.
He added that he needed these kinds of games to develop their young players like Clarito.
It was actually the 28-year-old who sealed the victory by nailing two pressure-packed freebies with just 4.0 ticks remaining.
"Natutuwa rin akong we were able to hold our emotions, be able to play through the endgame," said Guiao.
"Beteranung-beterano na 'tong Magnolia. They've been through a lot of battles like this. So para talunin mo ang magnolia sa isang dikdikang laban sa endgame, ibig sabihin, medyo matibay ka na rin na pang-endgame. 'Yung gusto naming ma-experience naming lahat ng klaseng sitwasyon for our young team to develop. Malaking example dito si Jhonard," he went on.
[ALSO READ: Aaron Fuller source of 'inspiration, encouragement' of Rain or Shine in Game 3 win]
It is all about setting their eyes on their goal, according to Clarito.
"Siyempre, unang-una, papatunayan naming makakarating kami sa goal namin. Lagi sinasabi ni coach Yeng, kailangang makarating kami sa pinakamataas," said Clarito, adjudged the league's Most Improved Player in the latest Leo Awards following his season 48 performance.
Team effort is also important, added Clarito, with everyone stepping up and not just relying on Fuller alone.
This was evident in their Game 3 win.
Gian Mamuyac contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, Andrei Caracut swung three triples for 15 points, Santi Santillan logged a double-double of 13 points and the same number of rebounds while Beau Belga put in 10 points and four boards.
Adrian Nocum and Gabe Norwood combined for 11 points, with the latter hauling down eight rebounds.
"Kailangan din naming tulungan si Aaron. Lahat sana kami mag-step up lahat kasi hindi kakayanin ni Aaron 'pag siya lang mag-isa. Kailangan naming mag-step up lahat para makuha 'yung panalo namin," said Clarito.