JHONARD Clarito is starting to develop into Yeng Guiao’s lengthy list of unheralded players of his career.
When asked if he has a player in mind that is comparable to Clarito, Guiao said it’s former Red Bull player Junthy Valenzuela.
Guiao sees Junthy in Jhonard
“Alam mo, kapag nakikita ko si Jhonard, parang si Junthy ang nakikita ko rito eh. Gwapo lang ng konti kay Junthy. Konti lang, mga isa’t kalahating paligo lang. Pero ‘yun ang nakikita ko,” said Guiao.
Valenzuela had 10-year career in the PBA that started with the Salazar Institute of Technology product being elevated by Guiao from Red Bull’s Philippine Basketball League team to the pros.
Valenzuela won four championships in the PBA, three of which under Guiao’s auspices with Red Bull.
Clarito, a product of De Ocampo Memorial College, is on pace for a career season with the Elasto Painters, averaging 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, all of which are his best numbers since he was drafted by the team at No. 17 last season.
Clarito had a career game on Saturday against Terrafirma, scoring 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
He also nailed a key three-pointer late in the game on their way to a 116-105 win and was later named the best player of the game by the TV broadcast.
Clarito pays tribute to Guiao
“Magandang sign din na si Jhonard ang best player,” said Guiao. “Ibig sabihin lang nito, ‘yung lahat ng panalo namin, iba-iba ‘yung nagiging best player. Na-spread out ‘yung credit at tsaka ‘yung contribution.”
The 27-year-old Clarito deflected the credit, and instead pointed to his teammates and Guiao for his performance this season.
“Tiwala lang sa mga teammates lang naman at si coach Yeng malaki ang tiwala niya sa mga players. Sa amin, ‘yung kumpiyansa, basta open, sabi ni coach Yeng, tira lang daw namin,” said Clarito.
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