JEMA Galanza has seen a different Jaja Santiago since the two last shared the court in college.
Now teammates at Creamline, Galanza said Santiago has become quicker, smarter and more composed as she adjusts to the professional game.
“Well, mas mabilis siya ngayon, mas smart, and alam niya iyung ginagawa niya sa loob ng court,” Galanza said.
The Creamline star also praised Santiago’s ability to immediately execute whatever is asked of her by the coaching staff.
“Kung ano man iyung sabihin ni coach (Sherwin Meneses), nagagawa niya agad,” she added.
But perhaps the biggest difference Galanza has noticed is Santiago’s composure.
“Mas composed siya sa game, every game,” Jema said.
Santiago’s arrival has added another major piece to an already stacked Creamline lineup, although her stint with the team is expected to be limited.
That makes the Cool Smashers even more determined to make the most of every game they have with the towering middle blocker.
For Galanza, however, winning a championship will require more than simply relying on Santiago’s presence.
“Mag-receive po kami maganda sa suspension. And sa kanya po lahat iyung paano para ma-enjoy,” she said.
The Cool Smashers, who are off to a 2-0 start after sweeping Ho Chi Minh, know they still have plenty of work ahead.
“Siyempre, every game, magtutulungan muna kami,” Galanza said.
“Kasi siyempre, hindi naman kagad namin makukuha iyung kung hindi talaga kami magfo-focus at mapapagod para makuha iyung championship.”
Everyone on the team, including Santiago, wants to finish the tournament as champions, according to Galanza.
“Lahat naman ang players and especially Jaja na gusto talaga mag-champion. Pero hindi ganoon kadali, pagtatrabahuhan namin mabuti.”
For Creamline, the formula remains simple. One game at a time. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
