More than a year has already passed since the San Juan Knights hoisted the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup but the sweet memories remain fresh in the mind of Jhonard Clarito. It's quite understandable since he was the guy who played the hero after he scored the last six (6) points for the Knights including the game-winner.
Jhonard Clarito and the San Juan Knights are on track for a second (2nd) consecutive crown after eliminating the Pasay Voyagers and the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the first (1st) and second (2nd) round of the playoffs respectively.
They just need to vanquish the resilient Makati Supercrunch who handed them their first ever loss in the playoffs during game 2 of the North Division Finals last March 11, 2020. In spite of the setback, Jhonard Clarito is confident that the San Juan Knights will defend the crown. As the saying goes, never underestimate the heart of a champion.
"Lahat naman sigurong team gusto kaming talunin. Ang meron lang sa San Juan Knights ay yung puso na gustong gusto lang talaga manalo at tsaka yung depensa namin ang magbibigay lakas sa amin, said Jhonard Clarito in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."
With his go-hard brand of basketball, Jhonard Clarito is slowly emerging beyond the shadows of John Wilson and Mike Ayonayon who are the primary go-to-guys for the Knight's offense. He maybe is underrated but never sleep on Jhonard Clarito.
The 6'2 forward from Davao Del Sur has been posting impressive numbers for San Juan all season long. He is the team's third (3rd) leading scorer with an average of 11.6 points a game, just a few markers behind Mike Ayonayons production of 12 points. Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player John Wilson leads the team in scoring with his average of 19.8 points per match.
Jhonard Clarito is not just a one-trick pony. Aside from his offensive arsenal, his defensive acumen makes him an integral part of the Knights' defense and rebounding.
His 1.8 steals each outing is the second best average on the team behind John Wilson's 2.4 intercepts per game. In addition, he is also the second best shot blocker with an average of 0.9 denials each game.
Equally impressive is his trademark hustle in rebounding. His average haul of 8.7 rebounds in each game puts him among the top 10 rebounders in the entire MPBL. What makes it even more notable is that he grabbed 40% of his total rebounds off the offensive glass.
Jhonard Clarito credits his rise to prominence to his coaches and teammates, especially the veterans. Under coach Randy Alcantara, he learned to respect not only his teammates but his opponents as well. More importantly, he was taught to keep his focus on the game no matter what.
"Marami akong natutunan galing kay Coach Randy Alcantara. Unang una, respeto sa mga players at sa mga taong nakakasama mo. Lagi niya ring sinasabi sa akin na focus lang palagi, shared Jhonard Clarito."
The 24-year old forward is likewise fortunate to share the ball with a bunch of accomplished veterans such as ex-PBA players John Wilson, Mac Cardona, and Larry Rodriguez. The three have been more than willing to share their knowledge and wisdom to their younger teammates.
"Marami akong natutunan sa mga veterans na nakasama ko lalo na sina kuya Larry Rodriguez, Mac Cardona, at John Wilson. Malaking tulong sila sa akin para mag improve yung defense ko dahil kapag nagkamali ako, sinasabihan nila ako kaya mas lalo akong nagi-improve bawat game, added Jhonard Clarito."
Without a doubt, Jhonard Clarito turned out to be a great student. While he came from a little-known college basketball program, the proud product of De Ocampo Colleges Cobras became one of the biggest revelations in the young history of the MPBL. He is a diamond in the rough, so to speak.
What's more surprising is that Jhonard Clarito was a late bloomer. He only learned to play basketball at the age of 17 while studying at Cor Jesu High School in Davao Del Sur.
His high school coach who once played for De Ocampo Colleges sent him to try out in the same college. He heeded his advice and he was later accepted into De Ocampo College's basketball team where he joined Darrel Caranguian, Peter Marc Manalang, and Mark Davis Atabay.
They were able to reach the 2017 Finals of the National Athletic Association of Schools Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) against St. Clare Saints which was led by Aris Dionisio, Junjie Hallare, and Irven Palencia. Unfortunately for the De Ocampo Cobras, the Saints were too much as they were swept in their best-of-three Finals series.
Jhonard Clarito didn't return to the Cobras in the following season as he focused full time on the MPBL where he suited up for the eventual Champions San Juan Knights in the 2018-2019 season or the Datu Cup. In hindsight, his decision to play in the MPBL proved to be a wise bet as he won a championship ring with the Knights.
Playing the hero role was certainly not on the mind of Jhonard Clarito. He just followed what his coaches instructed and kept his focus on the game. Fortunately, lady luck was on his side as he converted the crucial plays to win the crown, although, at the expense of his fellow Davaoeños.
"Ang nasa isip ko lang noong [last two minutes] ay dumepensa lang ng maayos at tiwala lang sa mga kasama namin kaya nakuha namin ang championship, explained Jhonard Clarito."
Will we see a rematch of last year's Finals? That remains to be seen as the fate of the Lakan Season hangs uncertain. Sports gathering are still prohibited even as we transition to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
The PBA is also suspended which could potentially delay Jhonard Clarito's plan to take his talent to the next level. Just like any other young ballers in the country, he hopes to make it into the PBA someday.
"Syempre lahat ng player gusto makapunta sa PBA. Yan Yung pangarap na gusto ko abutin."
The sporting world is unfortunately on pause right now so we have to wait before we see Jhonard Clarito and the rest of the San Juan Knights on the court.
Until then, stay safe everyone.
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