Jio Jalalon was one of the reasons a then young aspirant T-mc Ongotan went to Arellano University.
Years later, the latter is emulating the Chiefs legend as he looks to carry the school back to the Final Four.
"Hindi ko naman din in-expect [na dito ako mapupunta sa Arellano] pero kasi nu’ng [time na 'yun ay] kasagsagan ni Jio Jalalon, at saka ‘yung dati kong school parang may kakilala dito kaya nu’ng may pagkakataon na may tryout, tinulungan nila ako at sinamahan ako," Ongotan recalled.
"Oo [idol ko si Jio]. Happy ako dahil nakapunta ako sa malaking school, nakapaglalaro ako, and nagagawa ko ‘yung mga gusto kong pangarap na maabot."
Ongotan, a shifty 5-foot-9 guard known for his ability to make tough shots while also creating for his teammates, is on the rise in the ongoing NCAA Season 100.
The Sorsogon pride is Arellano's second leading scorer behind big man Lorenz Capulong, pouring in 12.0 points laced with 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.93 steals, and 0.4 blocks to help Arellano win three of its last four games to remain in hunt for a semifinals berth with a 6-9 card.
His consistent showing have seen Arellano go from once a cellar dweller to a Final Four contender, and he hopes to bring the Chiefs back to the semifinals.
"Sinabi lang ni coach na kailangan lang namin magusap-usap kasi ‘yun lang ‘yung parang kulang din namin kasi nga ilang beterano lang kami tapos kulang pa sa experience and may sampung rookies," the third-year cager added.
"Kailangan namin talagang magusap-usap at tulungan."
The last time Arellano made the Final Four was in Season 92 in 2016 when prized guard Jalalon was still at the forefront for the Chiefs handled by former coach Jerry Codiñera.
That year witnessed the leadership of Jalalon from all ends of the court, steering the Chiefs to the second spot to end the elimination round with an impressive 14-4 slate. They then ousted Mapua University in the semifinals armed with a twice-to-beat bonus, with Jalalon posting an all-around statline of 22 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and three steals.
They headed to the finals opposite eventual champion San Beda University, which was then led by Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon.
That would turn out as the last time Arellano made the top four.
The current crop of Chiefs are now in a mode to end the drought as they make the final push to book a return ticket to the Final Four.
"Magtatrabaho kami tapos ibibigay talaga namin ‘yung best namin tapos kung ano ‘yung ginagawa namin sa practice ‘yun din ‘yung ia-apply namin sa laro," Ongotan said.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
