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Facing one of the best backcourt in the PBA, Jiovani Jalalon feels like he was dealt with the reality check he was bracing for when he started his professional career.
“I had a difficult time with Terrence (Romeo) and Stanley (Pringle),” Jalalon said following Star’s 91-84 loss to GlobalPort on Friday.
An elite defender in his collegiate days, Jalalon’s inexperience was magnified in the matchup as the fiery Batang Pier duo combined for 42 points and 10 assists.
This was coming off from his season debut, where he was matched up against bevy of San Miguel guards bannered by Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot.
Personally, the rookie was happy to have that first-hand look while also realizing that he’s still a long way from the level the two are in right now.
“I’m thankful that I had a chance to play against them. Maybe I also have to adjust to the level of play in the PBA because it really is this intense. I have to adjust to become a better defender,” he said.
With Star wailing at the bottom of the standings at 0-2, Jalalon admits that frustration is slowly creeping in with the team. But he knows that the Hotshots have nothing else to do but to turn their troubles to motivation as they seek their first victory this season against NLEX on Wednesday.
“We’re frustrated so this will be a pressure game for us. But we have to take it one game at a time,” he said. “Hopefully on Wednesday, we can bounce back so we can turn our fortunes around.”