With Casio out, Jazul thrives in starter job for Aces

Alaska Aces’ RJ Jazul. PBA Images

Without JVee Casio manning the point, Alaska knows it has to get contributions from the rest of the other playmakers in the lineup.
And this 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup, RJ Jazul has gotten the starting job Casio temporarily vacated and has been trying his best to fulfill the duties as one of their leaders recover from his knee injury.
“Syempre sobrang halaga noon. Kahit naman sino naman, ako, si Ping (Exciminiano), si Chris (Banchero), kami yung nagtutulungan sa point,” he said. “Ang mahalaga lang, wala kaming turnover masyado at i-set up yung teammates namin ng maigi. Basta tulong-tulong lang kami hanggang matapos.”
Jazul has done an admirable job so far; in Game 1 of Alaska’s best-of-5 semifinals series against Meralco on Monday, he provided the goods to keep the Aces afloat against the tough Bolts crew.
The former Letran playmaker had a team-high 18 points that went with two assists and three steals in 28 minutes on the floor.
“Lahat naman kami, we’re doing everything para manalo para makatulong kahit papaano,” said Jazul moments after Alaska’s 97-94 victory.
Despite the early leads Jazul is anticipating a dog fight for the rest of the rest of the series just like how the two teams fought on Monday.
“Swerte na rin kami na hindi na-shoot yung three points ni (Ronjay) Buenafe,” he recalls of what could have been the Bolts’ game-tying shot at the buzzer.
“May (Arinze) Onuaku sila at yung locals nila, magaling din. Ang laking bagay nila (Reynel) Hugnatan pati si kuya Ken Bono. Mahirap sila kalaban.”