BOCAUE – Given the break by new GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio, Jonathan Grey made the most out of his extended minutes in the team’s 115-104 loss at the hands of NLEX on Monday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philippine Arena here.
Failing to get some playing time in his rookie year under Franz Pumaren, the former College of St. Benilde star hit the ground running in his sophomore year as he started and finished the game for the Batang Pier in the absence of injured star Terrence Romeo.
Grey was quick to repay Jarencio’s trust as he was just one of three players to finish in double digits for GlobalPort, finishing with 13 points in 25 minutes of action.
Despite a pretty solid offensive outing, Grey was still critical about his performance.
“Para sa akin kasi hindi maganda yung nilaro ko. First game pa lang naman kaya sana sa next game makabawi kami,” said Grey following the Batang Pier’s season debut on Christmas Day.
With Romeo still out for a few more weeks, Grey knows he’ll continue to get his minutes. Now it’s all about proving his worth with the opportunity coming his way.
“Sana. Wala si Terrence e, tapos ang dami naming rookie. Kailangan namin talagang mag-go hard,” he said. “Wala e, kailangan manalo tapos next game namin Ginebra. Focus lang sa next game, kalimutan na yung pangit na nangyari this game. Sa akin, move on lang.”
“Tignan natin. Mahaba pa e. Para sa akin, try ko lang best ko every game para sa team.”
This early, Grey seemed to be comfortable playing for Jarencio, who’s making a comeback as GlobalPort coach this season.
“At least, sila coach Pido, binibigyan kami ng tsansa para makabawi sa mistakes na ginawa namin. Learning process lang yung nangyari kanina,” he said.
With Jarencio’s run and gun style of play suiting him, Grey knows now is the chance for him to show what he’s capable of doing and vowed to take advantage of it.
“Si Coach Pido fast paced yung laro e kaya sa tingin ko advantage yun para sa akin. Siguro, nagustahan niya yung laro ko kaya nakakalaro ako,” he added. “Siyempre kailangan bata kung takbuhan ang laro, so yun yung pagkakaiba nila coach Franz.”
From the onset, Grey knew he was going to get his shot this year, reason why he spent the offseason working on his conditioning and fitness to further prepare him for this season.
“Nagpa-condition ako. Nag-lose ata ako ng five pounds. Talagang nagpa-kondisyon ako. Sabi kasi ni coach Pido na kailangan niya kami at hiningi niya ang full commitment namin,” Grey continued.
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