Magnolia is turning to its veterans for help in providing guidance to Jio Jalalon, who was recently suspended by the team for playing in an unsanctioned league.
Hotshots Chito Victolero believes that the team’s senior guards Mark Barroca and PJ Simon can help Jalalon take the right path in his young PBA career.
“Now, I’m trying to seek the help of Mark (Barroca) and PJ (Simon) to talk to the kid and explore what else he needs,” he said in Filipino Thursday during the PBA Media Day at Okada in Parañaque.
“Both have plenty of experience, and I hope they could share with Jio discerning what’s right from wrong,” he added.
Jalalon was caught playing in an exhibition game in Laguna alongside the beleaguered and suspended Phoenix forward Calvin Abueva, and Alaska bruiser Vic Manuel.
“Perhaps it’s just a rare case of forgetfulness,” said Victolero. “Or maybe he is just exposed to people who are unable to give him sound advice.”
Both Jalalon and Manuel were summoned by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and were reportedly given a warning.
On Wednesday, the Commissioner’s Office issued a memorandum seeking to penalize unofficial forays. Offenders can now face penalties ranging from a P50,000 fine, a suspension, or both.
Victolero believes the league is only doing its job to protect its athletes from the risk of injuries.
Incidentally, Manuel’s pal Ping Exciminiano ruptured his Achilles tendon in January during a “ligang labas” outing—an unfortunate incident that took place just days before inking a new deal with Rain or Shine.
“The kid just really needs a bit of guidance,” said Victolero. “He’s a pro after all.”
Manuel said he has been suspended by the Aces last Monday and believes he could be reinstated this coming Monday.
The duration of Jalalon’s shelving by Magnolia, however, remains up in the air.
“It’s the management’s decision what to do next and how long his suspension will be,” said Victolero.