JANSEN Rios was an unlikely hero for Meralco in Game Two of the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, although it wasn’t his first time in that role this conference.
When Meralco was hit with an injury bug early in the conference, Rios stepped up for the Bolts, even scoring on a game-winning three-pointer for the Bolts in a 96-91 victory over Terrafirma last December 6.
On Friday, Rios chipped in 15 points, his playoff career-high and third career-best according to the research of PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon, in their 108-104 win over Barangay Ginebra. He made 2 of his 3 attempts from threes.
The former Adamson player also had a notable effort in Game One’s loss when he had 13 point on 3 of 7 shooting from threes.
READ: Underrated Jansen Rios answering the call for Meralco
Rios was signed up by Meralco in 2023 after becoming a free agent when his contract with Phoenix expired. The decision to get him is now paying dividends.
Bolts coach Luigi Trillo was no longer surprised with Rios’ presence in the Game Two win, being one of the most hardworking players and doing the dirty work for the team, typifying the qualities of a Meralco employee.
“Jansen’s story is good because he was in two teams that were eliminated (this conference),” said Trillo, also referring to NLEX, the team that drafted him 25th overall in 2015.
“He was almost like a walk-in to us. We are proud of that. Guys like Jansen because he’s a Meralco employee, they put their hard hats on. The work of a lineman is hard. He is the same way,” he continued.
“Coach Nenad and the coaching staff are saying that we need some extra guys to contribute. It just can’t be the five. So whoever is showing the best in both ends of the court, Jansen is that,” he added.
“I’m just happy for him. He’s got a new baby. He’s come a long way. He is one of the first guys there in the gym shooting. Our call time is two, three hours (before practice), he is there already. And that’s a testament to what hardwork can do."
Meralco star Chris Newsome also spoke highly of Rios, his batchmate in the 2015 PBA draft and someone he went to war against in the UAAP.
“I have nothing but respect for that kid and everything that he’s been able to get through and do throughout his career. He is my batch mate. We played against each other in UAAP when he was in Adamson. And ever since we became teammates, we’ve had respect then. We got drafted the same year. That respect was still there," he said.
“It’s nice to see hard work pay off. And for somebody that comes in every day, puts in the work, true professional, doesn't complain about anything, and for him to have back-to-back games like this and some of the biggest games of his career, I have nothing but love for that guy," he added.
"And I pray that he stays healthy and that he keeps on playing well. We’re giving him the confidence and we’re telling him trust the work that he puts in and you're seeing the fruition of that. So I'm happy for him."
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