Dynamic Basketball Duo From CDO Included in the Filoil Cup Mythical Five Awardees

Arellano University Cheif’s backcourt duo of Michael Kent Salado and Jiovani Jalalon, both from Cagayan de Oro City, are included into the Mythical Five of the recently concluded 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup.

Jalalon’s averages: 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game

Salado’s average: 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game

Also, 3 players from the star-studded De La Salle University (DLSU) team made in into the Mythical Five. They were MVP Ben Mbala, Jeron Teng and Abu Tratter.

The Chiefs, under their scoring leader, Jiovani Jalalon, had fallen short in the hands of the mighty DLSU squad.

Jalalon recorded 32 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals including 7 triples, an impressive game for him indeed!

Currently, the Chief’s will prepare for the next season of the NCAA going forward.

The history between Jalalon and Salado

Both players are from Cagayan de Oro City and have known each other since high school, competing against each other. But today, they are more than teammates, they are brothers.

Jiovani said, “Kababayan at kaibigan ko talaga ‘to. Nagkakilala kami sa liga sa amin – magkalaban nung una pero naging magkaibigan din.”

Kent also commended Jalalon of being a great big brother to him. He said, “Yung nagagawa ko ngayon, nakukuha ko sa kanya. Nung bago palang ako, nagtatanong ako kung ano yung kailangan gawin. Binibigyan niya ako ng kumpyansa kung ano dapat gawin.”

Jiovani is also the reason why Salado had made it into the Arellano University basketball team.

Kent recalled, “Nung umuwi siya sa CDO nung Christmas, tinanong niya ako kung pwede ako pumunta ng Arellano. Tinanong siya ni coach Jerry kung kilala ako, e magkaibigan naman kami.”

These young basketball prospects are making waves into the NCAA. Both are playing guards, both from CDO, and if you observe closely, they even have an almost identical physical appearance.

They are more than just mere teammates, they are brothers by passion. They are carrying Cagayan de Oro City to new heights in the basketball world.