Precious Jonah powered the Adamson Soaring Falcons to a much-needed win on Wednesday. He put up a monster 11-point, 17-rebound double-double in the Falcons’ 62-55 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, along with 2 steals and 3 blocks. In short, he did what centers are supposed to do: control the boards, block shots, and anchor the paint.
He also did something he hadn’t done before in his first year in the UAAP: he hit a trey. And it wasn’t just any other three-point shot, either. It was a big one, as he opened the fourth quarter with a booming triple that gave Adamson a 54-46 lead in what had been a very tight contest.
The 3-Ball Might Be in Precious Jonah’s Arsenal
After the game, in an exclusive interview, Rebanse asked Precious Jonah about that big trey and whether it is part of his game. He answered in the affirmative but emphasized that his role essentially prevents him from showing off that part of his arsenal.
“Yeah, of course,” Jonah said, alluding to the three-point shot. “Normally, in my normal position, I used to play more three or four. So, since I came to the Philippines, I gotta adjust to play in the center because I got no choice. So, I gotta play inside always, not outside. … I used to play outside. But, I’m in the Philippines, so I gotta play inside.”
At 6-foot-9, it’s easy to see why Adamson wants him to play the pivot. And he has been doing quite well, averaging 10.8 rebounds and 3.3 blocks thus far in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Will the Real Precious Jonah Be Unleashed?
So far this season, Adamson has used Precious Jonah primarily as a rim runner on offense and a rim protector on defense. But if it is true that the Nigerian FSA was, indeed, more of a wingback in his homeland, then it stands to reason that there is more to his game that he still hasn’t been able to fully showcase.
With the Soaring Falcons fighting for their playoff lives, it might be time for Nash Racela to let his big man show more of what he can do.
