PBA: Jio Jalalon expected to take leadership reins for NorthPort

NorthPort Batang Pier guard Jio Jalalon going up against TNT’s Brian Heruela in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—If Northport’s first game in the PBA Governors’ Cup was any indication, Jio Jalalon will be looked upon as one of Batang Pier’s veterans heading forward.

Following a tough loss to TNT at Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, coach Bonnie Tan stated that Jalalon will be expected to contribute big for Northport on offense and leadership in the coming games.

“We’re expecting him to contribute especially in the end game situations and closing out games,” said Tan after their 101-95 loss to Tropang Giga.

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“We know he’s a champion player so he has all the experiences that can help this youthful Northport team.”

Jalalon played just 17 minutes in his debut for Northport, dropping six points, four assists and two rebounds in the defeat.

The shifty guard played despite being under a hundred percent due to a knee injury he’s been nursing since before being traded to the Batang Pier.

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When that health status goes up to a hundred, though, expect Tan and Northport to look for him more in every facet of the game.

“He just got injured so he’s not 100 percent. When he does become a hundred percent, we expect him to be our leader in the court,” Tan said.

The Batang Pier looks to bounce back on Friday when they go up against Terrafirma.