Though still not at full strength, Jio Jalalon had an all-around game in NorthPort’s loss in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
There’s probably only one person from NorthPort who was happy even when the Batang Pier suffered a 113-96 loss at the hands of Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Wednesday, April 16.
It was Jio Jalalon.
That's because Jalalon finally made his PBA return after being sidelined for more or less six months owing to sciatica.
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“Nakakamiss nga kuya e. Kasi nga six months or seven months akong di nakalaro. Sobrang tagal,” he said.
It was the most time he spent away from the basketball court.
“Matagal na to eh. Naramdaman ko sa Mangolia pa but di ko alam anong injury. Nalaman ko nasa NorthPort na ako, sciatica pala,” he said.
“Yung nerve sa back ko, kasi hard worker 'di ba, nasobrahan, so dun nagsimula. Kaya nagkaroon ako ng sciatica.”
While he was still trying to grope for form, the pint-sized guard finished with 11 points, two rebounds, six assists, and two steals in over 18 minutes of play.
Since he is still not at full strength, the Batang Pier are only trying to ease the former Arellano cager into the game.
“Ngayon tinitignan pa nila (minutes restriction). Coaching decision na lang kung anong plano nila. Ako naman always ready kung anong plano nila,” he said.