CHITO Jaime is so pleased with the progress of his Muntinlupa-based basketball club that making an attempting for a PBA comeback isn’t his priority.
The 34-year-old Jaime, who played for Kia the past three years in the PBA, has been the main man for the Muntinlupa Cagers, which he has helped push to the semifinals of the new regional tournament Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“Kung may opportunity (PBA), okay lang. Kung wala, okay lang. Masaya naman sa MPBL,” Jaime said after leading the Cagers to a sweep of Navotas in the best-of-three quarterfinals.
In 11 games, Jaime has averaged 15.55 points, while also grabbing 7.91 rebounds per outing for the Cagers.
The Balanga, Bataan native said he is thankful for the break given to him after he was unable to sign with any PBA team after his stint with Kia.
“Malaking bagay kasi nabigyan uli ako ng break na makapaglaro. ‘Yung binibigay na tiwala sa akin ng teammates at coaches ko, kailangan ko suklian every minute ng every game,” said Jaime.
A role player for various clubs in the PBA, the former Rain or Shine and Air21 player has taken a much bigger role with Muntinlupa.
“Kumbaga binibigay ko lang ‘yung kaya kong ibigay tapos ‘yung experience ko kailangan ko i-share sa mga teammates ko ... Kailangan ako kasi isa ako sa mga kuya na kailangan gabayan ‘yung mga kapatid ko,” said Jaime.
”Sobrang saya kasi ‘yung lahat ng pinaghirapan namin sa practice, nagbunga naman. Ngayon, nasa semis kami. Sana mag-sunod sunod na umabot kami sa finals,” said Jaime.