Rookie guard Sean Quitevis has only played two games for the TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA. And yet he’s already turning heads.
In fact, after TNT extended its season on Wednesday with a victory over the NLEX Road Warriors, he earned some high praise from head coach Chot Reyes and veteran RR Pogoy, who was named Best Player of the Game.
“I thought we really got a great lift off the bench from Sean Quitevis…Sean allowed us to give Roger some minutes of rest while he takes on [Robert] Bolick,” said Reyes.
Pogoy concurred, saying “Buti andun din si Sean, laki din ng tulong ni Sean.”
Sean Quitevis Takes the Jio Jalalon Role
Playing in just the second game of his PBA career, the former Ateneo Blue Eagles standout has certainly impressed many people, especially his head coach. And it is no secret Quitevis is getting playing time now is due to Jio Jalalon’s injury. Jalalon had previously earned his keep in TNT as the team’s energizer off the bench, usually taking on the role of defensive stopper.
“We need a guy to fill the shoes of Jio Jalalon because siya ‘yung sa aming pume-pressure na makulit na maliit who can get in the face of the opposing ball handlers,” Reyes explained.
In need of another defensive guard, the veteran tactician decided to finally activate the services of the former UAAP champion.
“Towards the end of eliminations, when it was cleared na Jio won’t be ready for the playoffs, then we made that decision. For our last game, in-activate namin siya para naman hindi first game niya playoffs,” said Reyes.
Quitevis made his PBA debut against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and he recorded 4 points and 3 rebounds in 20 minutes of action, most of which was spent shadowing spitfire guard RJ Abarrientos. The former Blue Eagles followed it up with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 12 minutes against NLEX.
Taking on Ljay Gonzales and Robert Bolick
Against NLEX, Quitevis was asked to defend the explosive Robert Bolick and the steady Ljay Gonzales. And he acquitted himself well in the eyes of Reyes.
“We don’t have a matchup for guys like that, eh. For Ljay Gonzales—very quick, very good players and ball handlers—so that’s the role that he [Quitevis] plays for us,” added Reyes.
Known for providing instant offense off the bench, Gonzales was limited to 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while also committing a costly 5 turnovers. Meanwhile, Bolick still delivered a decent outing with 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, along with 3 rebounds and 4 assists. However, he fouled out with over four minutes remaining.
With a sudden-death game set for this Saturday, expect Reyes to call on Quetivis again to provide a defensive spark.
