NATIONAL University gunner JJay Alejandro has yet to find his rhythm but coach Jamike Jarin isn’t complaining.
Alejandro struggled again from the field, making just four of his 17 attempts and finishing with 12 points against the UST Tigers.
However, the graduating guard made up for it with 10 rebounds and eight assists in the tough win.
“Struggling parin ako after three games, maybe next game makuha ko na yung shooting form,” said Alejandro .
Amid the shooting struggles, he has been Jarin’s main facilitator on offense.
He is below what’s expected with an average of 13.6 points, but Alejandro is posting career-best numbers on rebounding and assists with averages of 6.6 on both categories.
That’s why Jarin is just thankful to have him on the team.
“He's on a different level. He's just playing selfless. Everybody's talking about how good the other players have performed after two weeks. You look at J-Jay Alejandro's numbers, that's not easy,” Jarin said.
“He jacks up all the stats. He had 12-10-8. Yet nobody's talking about him. But that's how the selfless way is. We're always selfless. We just want the win and we're happy,” he added.
With opponents focusing on Alejandro, he’s just been more than willing to give up the ball, especially as his shots aren’t falling in.
“Wala naman effort to change my style of play, I’m just reading the defense kung ano ang ibinibigay sakin,” said Alejandro.
“Siyempre kung dalawa na ang tao mo, kailangan ipasa mo na. Sa system kasi ni coach Jamike, kailangan talaga all-around,” he added.
Against the Growling Tigers that was more evident as he made key plays down the stretch to create separation from their foes for good.
“Kanina naglaro kami ng unselfish. Nung una kanya-kanya kami pero nung nakuha na namin groove namin, hindi na kami nagkanya-kanya, nagpasahan na kami at guamanda na laro ng bawat isa.”
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