JUAMI Tiongson shone like the star he was during his Terrafirma days last Friday when he finished with 22 points, including shooting 6-of-10 from threes, in San Miguel’s big win over Converge in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
But don’t expect Tiongson to look for more scoring moving forward, even though his recent offensive explosion led to a Beermen win.
READ: San Miguel survives a fiery Converge fightback - barely
SMB coach Leo Austria said Tiongson will continue to play the role of point guard, serving as facilitator of the team’s offense - a polar opposite with the Dyip with whom he was the primary scorer.
"Ever since we acquired him, talagang may role siyang gagawin para sa team. Alam naman natin coming from the other team (Terrafirma), he can score, but he has to think na this team (San Miguel) has a lot of players who can score too. So, if you notice, he’s trying his best na talagang to involve everybody, especially in the endgame, he’s always trying to run the play, giving the ball to players na he knows can score," he said.
“But I think marami pa siyang matututunan dito. Ang importante is ‘yung winning attitude and how to win.”
For his part, Tiongson said he ensures that he plays his role to the letter, recognizing that there are a bundle of scorers at San Miguel.
But the 48th Season Mythical Second Team member said he will also not hesitate if there’s an opportunity to make baskets, especially from the perimeter.
“We have June Mar [Fajardo], we have CJ [Perez], we have Jericho [Cruz], Don Trollano, Mo [Tautuaa]. We have a lot of scorers. And my role talaga is to get everyone involved first," said Tiongson.
"And then, in the fourth quarter, if there’s a chance, I can call a pick-and-roll for myself, a chance to be more aggressive, ‘yun ‘yung opportunity ko.”
Samahang walang katulad
Tiongson said he can compare his role with the Beermen with that during his days with Ateneo where he had teammates such as Kiefer Ravena, Chris Newsome, Ryan Buenafe, and Von Pessumal.
“Medyo relatable rin kasi ito sa Ateneo with a lot of superstars. Alam ko ‘yung role ko noon was to make sure everyone gets their rhythm first. And then, eventually, I get myself going,” said Tiongson.
“’Yung scoring will always be there naman. Confident naman ako with myself, knowing that I can score anytime or I can create a shot for myself. But ‘yung important dito sa team is our priority is June Mar and CJ. They’ve won championships together already and I’m the new guy. I’m still getting my feet wet pa rin.”
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