Jio Jalalon facts for kids
Jalalon with the Magnolia Hotshots in 2021
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| No. 28 – NorthPort Batang Pier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Point guard | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | August 2, 1992 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines |
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| Nationality | Filipino | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High school | Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School (Cagayan de Oro) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 150 lb (68 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College | Arellano (2013–2016) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBA Draft | 2016 / Special draft | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected by the Star Hotshots | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 2016–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| League | PBA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016–2024 | Star/Magnolia Hotshots | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024–present | NorthPort Batang Pier | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Jiovani Nacawili Jalalon (born August 2, 1992) is a Filipino professional basketball player. He plays as a point guard for the NorthPort Batang Pier team. This team is part of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Contents
Early Life and Basketball Dreams
Jiovani Jalalon was born on August 2, 1992, in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. He grew up in a family with six children. Jio was the third child.
His father, Vicente, loved basketball but could not pursue it. Jio was inspired by his father's dream. He wanted to achieve what his father could not. Jio also has a younger brother, Jericho, who plays basketball too.
Jio went to Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School in Cagayan de Oro. Later, he moved to Manila to play for a college team.
College Basketball Journey
Jio Jalalon started his college basketball career at Informatics College. He played in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU). Then, he moved to Arellano University. There, he joined the Arellano Chiefs team in the NCAA.
Rookie Year and Growth
In his first year with the Chiefs, Jio was a backup player. He supported the main player, John Pinto. Even coming off the bench, Jio was a top scorer for his team.
In his second season, Jio's skills greatly improved. He averaged 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. He won the Most Improved Player Award. He also earned a spot on the NCAA Season 90 Mythical Five team.
Reaching the Finals
Arellano University made it to the NCAA Finals for the first time ever. However, they lost to the San Beda Red Lions. San Beda had won the championship five times in a row.
Jio continued to play very well in his third year. He was again named to the Mythical Team. But his team, the Chiefs, did not reach the Final Four that season.
In the next season, Arellano returned to the NCAA Finals. They faced San Beda again but lost once more.
Top College Point Guard
Jio played outstandingly throughout his final season. He earned his third spot on the Mythical Team. Many people thought he was the best point guard in Philippine college basketball. His playing style was even compared to famous PBA player Jayson Castro.
Amateur League Experience
Jio also played in the PBA Developmental League (PBA D-League). This was during the time when the NCAA was not playing. In 2015, he played for KeraMix. In 2016, he joined the Caida Tile Masters.
Professional Basketball Career
On October 30, 2016, Jio Jalalon was chosen by the Star Hotshots in the PBA draft. This was a big step in his basketball career.
First PBA Games
Jio had a great start in the PBA. In his first game, he scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds. He played almost 22 minutes off the bench.
In his second game, he scored 13 points, had 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. In his third game, he scored 17 points, got 5 rebounds, and made 5 steals. These strong performances showed his talent early on.
PBA Career Highlights
Jio Jalalon has achieved many great things in the PBA.
- He won a PBA championship in the 2018 Governors' Cup.
- He has been chosen for the PBA All-Star team five times.
- He won the PBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022.
- He has been named to the PBA All-Defensive Team three times.
- He was part of the PBA All-Rookie Team in 2016.
- He also won the PBA Mr. Quality Minutes award in 2016.
