Veteran bruiser Jay Collado was initially brought in to the Jumbo Plastic-Basilan Peace Riders to function as the big brother of the team, the one that will look after his younger teammates.
However, a fate would have it, he ended up doing a lot more than that as he helped lead the Peace Riders to the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Southern championship with a 3-0 sweep of the KCS Computer Specialist-Mandaue.
Along the way, Collado bagged the co-Finals Most Valuable Player award alongside paint partner Michael Mabulac.
"Hindi ko inexpect na ibibigay sa akin ito," said the sweet shooting big man.
"Sabi ko nga sa mga kasama ko ako yung isa sa pinaka veteran dito. Sabi ko sa teammates ko hindi ko kailangan yang individual awards, mas kailangan niyo yan pero nandito ako para tulungan sila para makuha yon," added Collado, still in disbelief that he got the award at 35 years old.
The 6-foot-4 threat inside and outside averaged 12 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in three games against Visayas champions, KCS-Mandaue.
When the pandemic began, just like every basketball player, Collado had to find another way to make a living with basketball tournaments being shelved. Collado ended up returning to his old job at the Land Transportation Office. However, when Basilan came calling, once again needing his services as the Chooks-to-Go-backed regional pro league entered the scene, he did not think twice.
"Ako bilang player, yun talaga ang hinahanap ng katawan ko, yun din ang hinahanap ng mind ko, mag basketball," Collado shared.
The Peace Riders started their own bubble training in Basilan last April 25. Until last night, that's already four months away from their families and loved ones. So for Collado, it's just fitting that after those four long months, he'll be going home with two hardwares—the Southern Championship trophy and a bonus Finals MVP one.
"Sa haba ng tinagal namin sa Basilan, nagbunga lahat ng paghihirap namin doon. Nalayo kami sa pamilya namin ng four months, siguro itong championship at Finals MVP na yung sukli sa sakripisyo na yon," Collado added. (JNP)