Aljon Mariano facts for kids
Mariano in 2025
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| No. 31 – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel | |
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| Small forward / power forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | August 3, 1992 Mandaluyong, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | UST (2009–2014) |
| PBA Draft | 2015 Round: 2 / Pick: 16th overall |
| Selected by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel | |
| Pro career | 2015–present |
| League | PBA |
| Career history | |
| 2015–present | Barangay Ginebra San Miguel |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Aljon Escalona Mariano (born August 3, 1992) is a Filipino professional basketball player. He plays for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Aljon was chosen as the 16th player overall in the 2015 PBA draft by the same team, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Contents
Aljon Mariano's Basketball Journey
College Days at UST
Starting His College Career
Aljon Mariano began his college basketball journey with the UST Growling Tigers in 2009. During his first year, he played only a few minutes in games.
Becoming a Starter
In his second season, Aljon became a regular starter for the Tigers. He scored about 7.1 points and grabbed 3.1 rebounds per game. Even with his efforts, the team was young and didn't make it to the "Final Four" playoffs that year. They finished 7th out of the teams.
Facing Challenges and Making a Comeback
Aljon had a tough time in 2011 because of a fractured ankle. This injury kept him from playing for six months, so he missed the entire season.
He returned to play for the Tigers in 2012. In one exciting game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Aljon scored a personal best of 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. He helped his team win 71–70, ending a long losing streak against the Blue Eagles. In another game, he scored all of his 15 points in the final quarter and overtime periods. He even made the winning shot with just 7.1 seconds left, helping the Tigers beat the De La Salle Green Archers 84–82 in double overtime.
Later that season, Aljon set another personal record by scoring 22 points against the NU Bulldogs. He made the winning shot with 4.4 seconds left in overtime, leading his team to a 58–57 victory. The Tigers had a great season, finishing with a 10–4 record. They made it to the UAAP Final Four as the second-best team. They defeated the NU Bulldogs to reach the UAAP Finals. However, they lost to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Finals, who won their fifth championship in a row. Aljon ended that season averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
A Championship Win!
After the UAAP season, Aljon played a big role in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) tournament. His team, the Tigers, first won the Metro Manila-Luzon tournament. This allowed them to join the PCCL Final Four, competing against other top teams. The Tigers finished with a 2–1 record in the Final Four, setting up a rematch with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Finals. This time, the Tigers got their revenge! They won the championship in a close three-game series and were crowned the National Champions.
Tough Seasons and Leadership
In 2013, Aljon continued to play for the Tigers despite battling an ankle injury throughout the season. Even with his injury, he was a key player. The Tigers made a surprising run to the UAAP Finals again, where they faced the De La Salle Green Archers. However, Aljon struggled in the Finals. In the deciding Game 3, he missed a shot that could have won the title, sending the game into overtime. He also turned the ball over in the final moments, which led to the Archers winning the championship 71–69. Aljon finished this season averaging 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
In his final college season in 2014, Aljon was named the team captain. This was a big responsibility, especially with a new coach and a key player having left the team. Unfortunately, the Tigers faced many injuries late in the season. Aljon's college career ended without his team making it to the Final Four. In his last season, he averaged 11 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Becoming a Pro Player
On August 23, 2015, Aljon Mariano was chosen by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team in the 2015 PBA draft. He was the sixteenth player picked overall. Since then, he has been playing professionally for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Images for kids
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Aljon Mariano in 2020
