PBA: Import Howell likens Jayson Castro to a young Tony Parker

MANILA, Philippines – It’s hard not to be impressed by Jayson Castro when watching him go coast to coast at max speed, bypassing every defense the opposing team throws at him. But he’s even more impressive when he drives hard to the hoop – drawing all of the defense to him like magnets – and he kicks out to the open man in spite of all the bodies blocking him.

That open man this conference has primarily been Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters import Richard Howell, who is so impressed by Castro he likens the Gilas point guard to a young Tony Parker.

“I don’t know. It’s definitely probably a few people,” Howell mused as he took a few moments to ponder Castro’s NBA equivalent. “I feel like he’s more of a younger Tony Parker. He’s so fast, he gets to the lane, he finds the open player and he can also shoot the three.”

According to Howell, who last played for the Idaho Stampede in the NBA Development League or D-League, Castro is so good he feels “he can definitely play in the States. I love playing with him.”

To that compliment, Castro responded: “Thank you! Isa siya (Parker) sa mga iniidolo ko. The way na maglaro siya sobrang simple and at the same time effective talaga.”

He added chuckling, “Minsan ginagaya ko yung moves niya.” (He’s one of the players I idolize. The way he plays is so simple and at the same time very effective. Sometimes I replicate some of his moves.)

Castro is currently leading the league in points per game among locals with 17.25 points, per pba-online.net.

In tandem with Howell, they’ve formed a deadly front-back combination. According to Castro, Howell provides a crucial missing piece for TNT basketball.

“Sobrang galing niya lalo sa depensa and sa rebounding kasi yun yung wala namin last conference,” Castro explained. “Nag-fit siya sa sistema namin and alam niya kung ano yung role niya dito sa team.” (He’s is very good especially on defense and on rebounding and that’s what we missed last conference. He fit into our system and he knows his role with the team.)

So far, the chemistry Howell has formed with Castro has helped him become an early favorite for the Best Import plum, while leading the Texters to the top of the standings with an undefeated 4-0 card.

“In practice we switch up the teams and I’m on his (Castro’s) team so I know how he plays and he knows where I want the ball,” Howell shared. “And I think that’s another thing that’s definitely helping us.”

Though Howell’s individual performance is something he only regards in relation to helping the team.

“I don’t wanna think about that (Best Import award) right now. I’ve heard it. I just think we’re the best team right now. I’m not really into the individual stats. As long as we’re winning, I’m happy.”

Hitting it off with Talk ‘N Text

The 6-foot-8 American import has quickly acclimated himself to coach Norman Black’s system and the team. He says he has now bonded well enough with them that it translates well on the court.

“I feel like that’s one of the reasons why we’re improving and winning as we do. I feel that the chemistry right now is off the charts but we can also get better when we’re together as a team and we play together. And it shows,” explained the 23-year old.

Though Talk ‘N Text, Howell says, is still far from perfect.

The Texters, who are averaging 16.5 assists per game (APG) as a team so far, want to up that to 20 APG. Howell says their win over Barako Bull is a right step in that direction. They achieved their goal during that game with 20 assists as they knocked down more open shots for 45.9% field goal shooting.

That’s also where Castro comes in.

“Man, Jayson. He’s fast. I see why they call him ‘The Blur’,” Howell spoke of the young playmaker. “He just plays the game the right way. He doesn’t think, he doesn’t overplay. I feel like him coming off the bench is one of the greatest things we have ‘coz he’s a weapon. So I just want him to keep doing what he’s doing.”

On a personal note, however, Howell says he will be continuing to work on his free throws – an aspect of his game that can easily be exploited by other teams if he doesn’t perform steadily on the stripe. For now, his free throw average is at 71.9%, according to pba-online.net.

One more thing he’s concerned about, like most imports, is the physicality. While he declares “I like that (physicality), that’s my kind of game,” the active bodies with at least one foot at all times on the shaded area pushes any penetration back out.

Howell, who is also known for his slashing and driving, has had to adjust to what the defense gives him. This means lesser percentage shots like mid-range jumpers.

“I see teams starting to pack the paint so I can’t drive to the lane,” Howell shared his observation. “So I just gotta keep working on my shots.”

Excited for a shot of San Mig Coffee

But it’s not just Castro that’s caught the attention of Howell. He has made it known that he’s looking forward to Talk ‘N Text’s March 31 tiff against back-to-back champions San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.

Particularly, Howell is excited to match up with San Mig import James Mays, who apparently has been a longtime friend of Howell.

“San Mig, because one of my friends plays for that team. We’ve just been going back and forth so I can’t wait to play him.”

Howell explains he knew Mays, a Garner, North Carolina native, from his days attending college at North Carolina State University. Though Mays attended Clemson University in South Carolina.

“In the summers we play, we hang out so I’ve known him for a long time,” Howell shared.

Asked who he thinks will win the match-up between himself and Mays, Howell could not help but grin.

“I’ve told him, he can’t guard me,” he declared. “It’s gonna be a good game.”

Howell has quickly proven himself to Talk ‘N Text by being the import that works as a complimentary piece to a team raring to keep up its winning tradition. And young as he is, it doesn’t take much to motivate Howell.

“Every day just to be here,” Howell shared what drives him. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to come out here and play with a team like Talk ‘N Text, especially with the history that they have. So I’m just blessed to be here and I just want to take it day by day.” – Rappler.com