Hudson's got buckets, but he's not yet the best, says his own coach.
In six games, Jalen Hudson has launched himself as one of the most remarkable imports in the PBA Governors’ Cup. He is among the top 5 league scorers as of writing with 33.8 points per game. He’s also averaging 9.3 boards and 4.1 dimes while leading TNT Tropang Giga to a 5-1 card this conference.
From the eye test, it’s easy to see the former Florida Gator has meshed well with the locals of Tropang Giga and with coach Jojo Lastimosa, who has kept on pushing him with a new challenge here and there. Jolas previously egged on Hudson to dish out double assists and to involve his teammates more. On Saturday against the Terrafirma Dyip, the PBA legend tasked the American reinforcement to check league top scorer Jordan Williams.
Lastimosa has always been competitive since his playing days. Perhaps this is his way to get an edge over other teams and to further elevate his reinforcement, who has already displayed a lethal ability to get buckets.
Earlier this week, the Richmond, Virginia native scored 56 points when they stopped the Converge FiberXers. On Saturday, Hudson scored 36 points on an otherworldly 80 percent clip. The scoring does come easy for the swingman, and it’s a big reason why TNT is thriving.
“I think Jalen is aware that he can get a good shot anytime he wants,” Lastimosa told the media.
The Tropang Giga has all the reasons to be happy with Hudson, but how does he stack against other imports?
Tropang Giga guard Mikey Williams, on Saturday’s post-game presser, said that his teammate is “top 2.”
Coach Jolas answered with more words, but not exactly more elaborate: “I think he’s right up there. He’s not bad.”
So, is he the best, though? Many coaches would stand with their own players, but Lastimosa instead pointed to the import of a rival team.
“[Justin] Brownlee is still the yardstick.”
It’s hard to disagree with that. Brownlee of the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings is a three-time Best Import and six-time PBA champion. Hudson has a long way to go before he can catch up.
Or maybe, this is just another way for Coach Jolas to issue another challenge to his import.