Chan sizzles for E-Painters

COMING into the current season, Jeffrei Chan set one goal, and that is to be consistent.

So far, Chan has been proving to be just that in helping Rain or Shine become a real force to contend with in the PBA Philippine Cup while earning the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period Oct. 17 to 23.

Formerly known to be primarily an offensive threat, the 27-year-old southpaw has turned his game on both ends of the court several notches higher and it showed in the way he led the Elasto Painters in scoring back-to-back wins the past week and into the lead of the season-opening tourney.

“He’s been the most consistent for us,” noted Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao of the small forward who averaged 17.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals and as many blocks in victories over Meralco and Alaska.

“People tend to look at his offense but his defense has improved a lot from last year. He’s also gotten to be a better passer. He’s been working hard in practice. Very deserving,” added Guiao.

The small forward picked at No. 17 overall by Red Bull in the 2008 Draft before landing in his new team two seasons ago said he just wanted to do his part.

“Gusto ko lang ma-i-angat ang laro ko at matulungan ang team,” said Chan. “Kaya nga after practice stay pa ako sa gym, mga 30 minutes up to an hour. Basta matapos lang ang routines ko.”

The hard work has indeed been paying off for the man who averaged just 7.6 ppg and shot 25.9 percent from the area he is most feared at – beyond the arc – last season.

Through five games, the former Far Eastern U standout has been averaging a team-leading 16 points to go with 3.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals.

In a cruising 89-84 win over Meralco last Wednesday, Chan made 14 points to share team scoring honors with Gabe Norwood.

He was at his fieriest yet against Alaska last Sunday, hitting his first five triples and going on to finish with 20 points in giving the E-Painters the hot start they needed in fashioning a 120-84 massacre.

Those triumphs pushed Rain or Shine into the top of the standings with a 4-1 win-loss slate and Chan said the tougher grind lies ahead.

“Ang immediate goal ng team is to make the semifinals at lahat kami of one mind para ma-realize namin iyon. Kaya wala pa ring pahinga at marami pang hard work na kailangan,” he stated.(pr)