Star rookie Jalalon makes PBA debut in loss to SMB

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Star rookie Jio Jalalon admitted feeling the nerves as he made his PBA debut on Sunday.

“Sobrang excited ko na di ko alam kung anong gagawin ko. Galaw lang ako ng galaw kaya nung pagdating ko sa court, kinausap ako ni coach Jason Webb na kailangan ko muna dumepensa bago ako maka-offense,” Jalalon said.

It didn’t take long for the Arellano stud to make his mark. Jalalon made his presence felt by setting up his teammates and providing the energy for the sluggish Hotshots.

Though a lot is expected from him, Jalalon said he doesn’t mind giving way to his elder teammates.

“As a rookie, sinasabi ko ok lang at sila kuya muna.”

Still, Jalalon finished with 11 points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal in Star’s 96-88 loss to San Miguel.

With the first game jitters already out of the way, the Cagayan de Oro native is hopeful that this experience will better prepare him for the rest of the season.

“Sobrang nakakagulat yung mga player dito kasi lahat sila puro smart players. Hindi mo lang madadaan sa bilis. Kailangan mo rin mag-isip kung ano ang gagawin mo,” he said.

“Sana nga pagdating sa next games, makaka-adjust na din talaga ako sa defense kasi ngayon, nangangapa pa talaga ako. Kailangan kong pag-praktisan pa talaga.”