VIDEO: Jio Jalalon has moved on from being traded by Magnolia and is looking forward to a fresh start with Northport 🏀

Jio Jalalon is ready for a bigger responsibility

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JIO JALALON eyes a fresh start with NorthPort after being traded by Magnolia, the team that drafted him and played for eight years in the PBA.

Jalalon said he is looking at the bright side of the deal including the fact that he is still playing in the PBA, although he does miss his former teammates at Magnolia.

“We are good. Moving forward. At least, I’m blessed with NorthPort. Basketball pa rin. I have a PBA (team),” Jalalon said during the PBA Media Day on Monday at the Le Parc Events Hall.

“As a basketball player, kailangan nating tanggapin every team kasi sa mga trabaho namin, hindi naman natin masasabi kung hanggang kailangan ka mag-stay team sa pinaka-unang una mong team. We are good. I’m still happy dahil nandito pa rin ako sa PBA. Ibang team lang ‘yung napuntahan ko. NorthPort pa rin. We are good. Moving forward. I’ve moved on,” he added.

“Siyempre, nung una, nung nalaman ko na may trade, siyempre, ako na-sad kasi eight years ako nag-stay sa Magnolia. Namimiss ko sila Kuya Mark (Barroca), ‘yung mga nakakausap ko, siyempre si Coach Chito (Victolero) kasi siya ‘yung since Day One nung nagpa-draft ako, sila ‘yung kumuha sa akin. ‘Yun ‘yung nakakamiss.”

The 32-year-old Jalalon has been thrust to a larger role of a starter and a leader with the Batang Pier, a challenge that he is looking forward to employ with NorthPort.

“Nakita ko nga nung nag-practice ako, sabi ko kailangan ko maging leader dito since nung nasa Magnolia ako, third-stringer ako sa guard. Now, ako ‘yung ginagawa ni Coach Bonnie na starting point guard,” he stated.

“Hindi ko masasabi na maibabalik ko ‘yung laro sa Arellano but bilang beterano na mag-lead sa team, gagawin ko lang ‘yung gusto nila Coach Bonnie, ‘yun ang ia-adopt namin sa team.”

A more active role on offense will also take place for the 5-foot-9 Jalalon in his NorthPort stint, but assured that defense will remain a priority.

“Actually, pinapractice ko na sa NorthPort,” said Jalalon on his increased role on offense for NorthPort. “Siyempre inuuna ko pa rin defense ko. ‘Yun naman ang strength ko. Wala naman akong ibang babaguhin,” the 2023 PBA Defensive Player of the Year said.

“Pina-practice ko lang ‘yung paano ako nag-oopensa sa sarili ko. Gusto ko lang na inuuna ko mga teammate ko para happy lahat.”