JIO Jalalon is still feeling his way back after finally suiting up for Northport for the first time in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 32-year-old spitfire guard has been given the go-signal to play after missing the Batang Pier’s first seven games due to a back injury (sciatica).
And obviously, he’s not yet in game shape as he himself found out in the team’s 119-116 win over Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena.
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“Thankful ako na nakabalik ulit ako, kailangan ko lang kunin 'yung timing sa court,” said Jalalon, who played his first competitive game in almost four months.
“Sinabihan ko rin sila coach kahit ilang time (minutes) ang ibigay nya sa akin, ok lang ako. Ready lang ako lagi kasi nga kailangan ko makita kung nasaan na ako. Thankful ako maayos akong nakalaro.”
Jalalon saw action for just five minutes and went scoreless on a 0-of-2 shooting clip. He had a rebound and two assists.
His last game with the Batang Pier was on Sept. 20 against his former team Magnolia in a 110-94 loss.
He then made his comeback against Barangay Ginebra which Northport won in a thrilling endgame.
The product of Arellano University said it wasn’t by design that he played his first game back against the Kings.
“Pinag-usapan namin doon sa mga PT kung kailan talaga. Sabi kasi nila sa reco (recommendation), itong first game namin sa January so eksaktong Ginebra,” said Jalalon, acquired by the team at the start of the season from Magnolia along with Abu Tratter for big man Zav Lucero.
He did get a measure of how far he still is in regaining his old deadly form.
“Mas nakita ko kung saan na ako. Pero wala pa talaga sa timing,” Jalalon admitted. “Pero sa practice naman pinipilit kong makasabay sa kanila, but mas maganda yung dito sa game talaga.”
Still it was a fitting welcome for the former Defensive Player of the Year as the Batang Pier eked out a close win against the Kings to retain the top spot with a 7-1 record, inching closer to the first berth in the quarterfinals.
Jalalon though remains positive he’ll be able to get back in playing shape in time for the playoffs should Northport make it.
“Nanibago ako. Sobra,” he said. “Yun (hangin) ang kailangan ko kasi nga ang tagal kong hindi nakalaro. Sa practice naman kailangan mo ring ma-balance. Pero yung game talaga, sobrang kailangan pagdating doon.
“Pero nakaka-miss pala talaga kapag matagal kang nawala sa court. Tapos Ginebra pa yung kalaban.”
Northport will be up next against the likes of Meralco, Rain or Shine, and San Miguel in its next three outings, meaning Jalalon has to get back in shape the soonest possible time.
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