Former NCAA rivals Jio Jalalon (left) and Rey Nambatac (right). Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — Jio Jalalon is set to don new colors in the upcoming PBA Season 50.
The 5-foot-9 veteran guard will now be with TNT Tropang 5G after he inked a one-year deal on Saturday, making official the signing after weeks of being seen in the preseason camps of the squad.
“God is great,” said the former Arellano University star during the PBA50 Homecoming in Ortigas. “Araw na lang, mag opening na, so thankful akong na-pirmahan ako.”
“Nagwo-worry ako na baka wala akong team, kasi inisip ko talaga yung dalawang baby ko. Pero, I had faith na may kukuha sa akin, so patience lang,” he added.
Jalalon acknowledged being with the Tropang 5G even before his contract with the NorthPort/Pureblends franchise expired, but he clarified that it was him trying out with TNT.
“Nung nag tryout naman ako sa TNT, maganda naman yung pinakita ko,” he said. “And dito, ibang pakikisama, ibang team, ibang aura, pero yung ibang players ng TNT, nakasama ko na sa Gilas.”
Jalalon — who is a PBA Champion with the Magnolia Hotshots — is confident that his familiarity with some of the players as well as with coach Chot Reyes dating back to their Gilas Pilipinas days, will also be of huge help in his transition.
“Nakatulong naman na kilala ko na yung sistema ni Coach Chot. May naiwan sakin na alam ko na paano kumilos,” he said. “And I’m so excited. Iba yung TNT ngayon eh, lagi sila nasa Finals, so sinabi ko sa kanila na bibigay ko lang yung best ko.”
“Alam ko na kumpleto na yung TNT, so dadagdag na lang ako at tatrabahuhin ko lang sarili ko sa kanila,” the 32-year-old added.
But aside from their National team history and playing for yet another contending squad, another factor that excites Jalalon is now possibly sharing the backcourt with his former collegiate rival Rey Nambatac.
“Kilala ko na si Rey since high school pa lang eh, so excited ako na maging ka-tandem ko siya sa court,” he said of the former Colegio de San Juan de Letran star. “Tignan natin kung anong mangyayari.”
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