Jhonard Clarito upends the likes of June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson to earn the first weekly citation of the Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Is it a bird? A plane? No, it's’ just “Michael Jhonard.”
Jhonard Clarito beat out some heavyweights to earn the latest PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week nod behind his impressive numbers for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
The reigning Most Improved Player is key in the Elasto Painters’ ongoing Governors’ Cup playoff run, putting up 14 points, five rebounds, and 1.3 assists from the stretch of September 25-29.
He edged out PBA MVPs June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen and Scottie Thompson of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, as well as sharpshooting guard RR Pogoy of defending champion TNT Tropang Giga.
Clarito started the quarterfinals on a high, emerging as the top local scorer with 20 points in Rain or Shine’s series-opening 109-105 dub against Magnolia.
After a Game 2 Hotshots blowout, the 28-year-old overcame a bloodied nose and tallied 18 markers, five boards, and three triples to help the Elasto Painters claim a 2-1 lead in a highly-physical 109-105 Game 3 decision in Antipolo.
Even head coach Yen Guiao commended Clarito’s toughness despite sustaining an injury.
"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.
[ALSO READ: Yeng Guiao lauds Jhonard Clarito: Gives blood, sweat and tears for Rain or Shine in Game 3]
For the man himself, Clarito was just out there playing with a chip on his shoulders.
"Siyempre, unang-una, papatunayan naming makakarating kami sa goal namin. Lagi sinasabi ni coach Yeng, kailangang makarating kami sa pinakamataas."
Now more than ever, the hard-nosed forward will need to raise his game in a win-or-goal duel against on Saturday, October 5 at the Ynares Sports Center, Antipolo. The survivor of that game will face TNT in a best-of-seven semifinal series.