Foton not rushing Jaja Santiago

MANILA, Philippines – Do not be surprised if Jaja Santiago comes off the bench when she makes her debut in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix on Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Foton team manager Diane Santiago said they are planning to break Jaja gently into their system when they march into crucial Game One of their best-of-three semifinal series against F2 Logistics.

Santiago said her younger sister just made her first practice of the year with the Tornadoes last Monday and it would take some warming up before she could get into the system of head coach Rommel Abella as well as new recruits Gyselle Sy, Channon Thompson, Elizabeth Wendel, Isa Molde and Diana Carlos.

“Actually, coach Rommel is still contemplating on his rotation with Jaja around since it’s her first time to play with some of the new players with the team,” said Santiago, referring to the 6-foot-5 prized opposite who just wrapped up her collegiate career with National University in the UAAP.

“So we won’t be surprised if he brings Jaja off the bench. He wants to give her a good feel of the game first before breaking her into the rotation.”

“We’re really not yet sure what position she’ll be playing.”

With Jaja around, the Tornadoes evolved into a solid champion contender.

Aside from having an athletic winger who can help Dindin Santiago, Maika Ortiz, Wendel, Thompson and Serbian libero Katarina Vukamanovic in the defensive end, her experience and confidence being a former Most Valuable Player awardee will do wonder.

Santiago said to welcome Jaja and other newbies into the team, they had a team bonding activity last Sunday where they discussed their ultimate goal and the steps they should take to get there.

“We got to know Channon, Isa and Tots pretty well,” he said, adding that they’re very much ready for their blockbuster battle against the Cargo Movers.

“I think we’re good. With Jaja on board, we’re now ready to face the best teams in the league. It’s going to be an intense battle.”