1 month ago
9
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Barangay Ginebra's Jayson David.
PBA Images
Before the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, Jayson David hadn’t played in the previous two conferences. He was selected on the second round by Barangay Ginebra in the 2022 draft and saw action in 36 contests over five conferences in two seasons with a career average of less than a point.
Of his 36 outings, David was scoreless in 25. It appeared that his PBA career was going nowhere. Until LA Tenorio was relegated to the unrestricted free agent list to focus on his new role as Gilas Youth head coach. Tenorio’s exit opened up a slot on the Ginebra roster and coach Tim Cone brought in David.
Inactive in Ginebra’s first two games this conference, David was suited up against NorthPort at PhilSports Arena last Wednesday. Cone called his number in the first quarter and David responded by hitting his first attempt from three. From 61 seconds of play in the opening quarter, David played 5:22 minutes in the second, adding two free throws to his name. In the third frame, he scored five points in 3:12 minutes. Then, in the fourth, David played the entire 12 minutes and erupted for 15 points, including three-of-three triples. He finished with 25 points on 88.9 percent from the field, four-of-four from three, nine rebounds and three assists in 21:36 minutes. It was a breakout performance from a practice player the last two conferences.
Coach Topex Robinson said he recalled David reaching out during his moments of uncertainty. “We go back a long way,” said Robinson. “I recruited him for San Sebastian and visited his family in Pampanga. When I joined Lyceum, he came along. I love the kid, his work ethic, the way he plays defense. He’s a workhorse. He reminds me of Jun Marzan and Glenn Capacio. He was a three in college but in the PBA, had to adjust as a role player.”
David, 28, asked Robinson whether he should explore other options like playing in the MPBL. “I told Jayson he’s in a good place at Ginebra,” said the La Salle coach. “To stay, continue to learn from coach Tim and coach Kirk (Collier), that his time will come, not to be impatient, to continue working hard at practice.”
Robinson said he had a feeling David would eventually take off. “Knowing coach Tim and I’ve worked with him before, Jayson will get his break,” he said. “Jayson persevered, gave it his all at practice, day in, day out, waiting for his chance. He’s a positive guy. Although he’s more known for his defense, he can also score and showed it against NorthPort.”
Before his 25-point explosion, David’s highest output was eight in a 91-73 Ginebra loss to Meralco in the Philippine Cup last season. Now, the 6-2 guard faces the challenge of proving he’s not a one-hit wonder. Tonight, he’ll be back in action against streaking NLEX at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
