JEROM Lastimosa said he is fortunate to have LA Tenorio and Mark Barroca by his side as the sophomore guard is off to a strong start in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
Lastimosa said Tenorio and Barroca have given him added confidence this conference after taking on a bigger role as Magnolia’s starting point guard.
The former Adamson guard scored 22 points, two rebounds, and two assists in the Hotshots’ 78-76 loss to Magnolia, bringing his average for the conference to 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists through three games.
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The No. 9 pick in the Season 49 draft nearly won it for Magnolia with a last-second three-point shot, but he misfired on the attempt.
“Confidence lang kasi, binibigyan ako ng trust talaga ni Coach LA. Siguro ‘yun ‘yung para sa akin, confidence every game,” said Lastimosa, when asked what changed in his game this conference.
Aside from that, the 27-year-old Lastimosa also has the luxury of another veteran presence in Barroca, who now has a bench role with the Hotshots.
“Sobrang blessed ako dahil dalawang veteran na point guards, nasa amin. Marami akong learnings na nakukuha sa kanila. Hopefully, more learnings pa dahil matagal-tagal pa kaming magkakasama,” said Lastimosa.
"Sobrang blessed ako na may dalawa akong veterans," he added.
There will definitely be moments of reflection for Lastimosa and the rest of the Hotshots after their defeat to the Bolts, where they were held to seven points in the first quarter.
“We were just having a hard time sa defense namin. Sabi nga ni Coach LA, dati pa sa huddle, hindi kami basta-basta maka-run sa offense namin kasi ‘yung Meralco, talagang defensive team,” said Lastimosa.
“Doon din kami nahirapan. Sa defense nila. Hindi kami masyadong maka-run sa offense namin,” he added.
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