SO FAR, SO GOOD
Despite Rick Jackson’s strong showing in his first game, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said that the 6-foot-9 import is still under the microscope.
“He erased a lot of doubts, but it’s not just one game. He has to prove himself every night,” Guiao said. “He played one good game so we’re happy, but he has to play a lot more good games.”
Guiao hinted before the conference that first choice import Wayne Chism would always be an option for the team if ever things go awry, but the big man has silenced a lot of naysayers with his opening output.
Jackson had 30 points and 10 rebounds in the Elasto Painters’ conference-opener against Talk ‘N Text, providing the might inside the paint for the undersized Rain or Shine squad. However, he failed to lift his squad to victory.
Guiao expressed his satisfaction over his import’s performance, admitting that he was more surprised with the reinforcement’s 10-of-14 free throw shooting.
“Yun ang hinahanap namin, yung inside presence nya. My concern was his free throws, di ko akalain kasi sa practice, ang sama ng free throws nya. At least dito, nasa 70-percent, so that’s good. He’s going to get fouled a lot, so he should make at least 65-percent,” he said. “We’re happy with him.”
And Guiao assured the fans that as of now, Jackson still has the team’s confidence, saying, “Kung nananalo ka, why tick something that is working? Natalo kami ngayon but we’re happy with the way we played. That speaks a lot about him already. Mahirap yung nanalo ka, or natalo ka, tapos di ka masaya sa import mo. Yun ang medyo delikado. Pero kung natalo ka pero masaya ka sa import mo, I think that says a lot about him.” (RL)
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