MANILA, Philippines – Fans may have expected his hot hand, but Jeff Chan showed his other side that helped the Gin Kings clinch their 3rd straight win in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, June 20. 

The forward chipped in only 4 points, but had a +/- rating of +22 in his 19:25 minutes of play. 

“More on defense sila (Ginebra). Yung iba iniisip pag pasok ko ‘ay shooter, scorer,’ pero hindi. Matagal na bini-build up ni coach yung defense, so I think nagawa ko naman yung part ko kanina,” explained Chan. 

(Ginebra’s style is more on defense. Others would think that I’ll be a shooter or a scorer when I go in, but it wasn’t like that. Coach has been building up the defense, so I think I was able to do my part.) 

Barangay Ginebra acquired the services of the veteran after trading its 2018 first-round pick to the Phoenix Fuel Masters last Monday. 

As the 34-year-old admitted he still has more to learn in the system, he already earned the praise of Ginebra head coach in his first game with the Gin Kings. 

“I actually thought Jeff Chan made a huge contribution early in the game, kinda settled us down and allowed us to play. His presence kind of allows us to play some small ball,” said Cone. 

“Not by you know, his 3-point shooting, which everybody talks about, but just being a smart veteran, making smart passes and playing under control. That just kept everybody under control. I really like that about him.” 

With Chan’s smooth transition into the team, the Gin Kings are already looking to nab their 4th straight win against the Alaska Aces on Sunday, June 24. – Rappler.com