Johnson looks forward to another stint with Painters

Jaylen Johnson didn’t have to search his brain long for an answer to whether or not he has plans to make a PBA comeback.

“Yes. Let’s do it,” the entertaining and talented Rain or Shine import said. “I want to thank the PBA for embracing me and bringing me in. It was a great experience and I’ll be back.”

Johnson’s stint in the Reinforced Conference ended after Barangay Ginebra eliminated Rain or Shine in the semis. But it was at the end of the series-clinching Game 6 that Johnson marveled at how much love he has gotten from Filipino basketball fans.

Still flashing his familiar smile even after that stinging 118-107 loss, Johnson was greeted by fans for photo-ops outside Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

“I don’t know everybody’s perception of me, but I hope it’s a great one,” Johnson told the Inquirer.

“I hope they felt my energy on the court. Sometimes, I may be a little bit too much, but off the court, I’m a great guy.”

Rain or Shine certainly felt the energy of the enigmatic big man. With the University of Louisville product leading the way, the Painters opened the tournament with seven straight wins behind a lot of highlight plays from their import.

But the American standout was also an entertainer, breaking out into flamboyant celebrations after every tough basket and draining shots from beyond the four-point arc to the delight of the crowd.

He could rub some people the wrong way, though.

At one point during the elimination round, when Johnson did his usual shimmy, he had an altercation with Magnolia consultant Erick Arejola, who didn’t appreciate the gesture.

But even Ginebra fans who jeered him during the series eventually warmed up to the guy.

And perhaps that embrace is why he’s willing to run it back with the Painters in the future. INQ