After finally making his much-awaited PBA debut with Magnolia in the Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, Jerom Lastimosa knows there’s still more work to be done.
Magnolia waited one full conference before activating rookie Jerom Lastimosa.
It was worth the wait.
In his professional debut, Lastimosa turned in an all-around outing of nine points, two rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block as the Hotshots drubbed Blackwater, 118-100, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Thursday, Nov. 28.
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Magnolia coach Chito Victolero gave his first game a thumbs up.
“Yes, tama ka doon, worth the wait,” said Victolero of Lastimosa, who was sidelined for almost 17 months owing to an ACL injury he suffered while playing for Adamson in the UAAP.
“'Yun 'yung investment namin even though hindi siya naglaro noong first conference. He’s ready.
Jerom Lastimosa plays in his first game with Magnolia in its PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup opening assignment against Blackwater on Thursday, Nov. 28. | Photo (c) PBA
Lastimosa's inclusion adds depth to Magnolia’s guard rotation that already has the likes of Mark Barroca, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paul Lee.
This bodes well for a franchise that has been craving for a championship since the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
“I think we have a deep rotation, sa guard rotation namin. For his first game, it’s a thumbs up,” said the seasoned mentor of the former Adamson star, who joined the team in practice less than a month ago.
Lastimosa could not help but feel thankful for the kind words from the Magnolia tactician.
“Sobrang thankful lang ako lagi kay Coach Chito. As a rookie — but sinabi niya sa akin before the PBA started, hindi raw ako rookie para sa kanya — parang beterano na raw ako maglaro and malaking contributor daw kaming dalawa ni Zav (Lucero),” Lastimosa said.
“As a player, 'di ko sinasayang 'yung ganoong opportunity.”
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But the 26-year-old newbie has his work cut out for him. He himself knows it.
“Hindi ako satisfied kasi parang noong una kong pasok, medyo nangangapa pa ako. Buti na lang, nakabawi ako sa second half,” Lastimosa said.
“Nakikita ko sa sarili kong wala ako sa kondisyon. So magpapakondisyon [ako] para next game, ready na 'ko to battle sa next na kalaban namin.”