MANILA, Philippines – Jayson Castro may not be donning the Philippine colors again.

The Gilas Pilipinas veteran – twice named as the best point guard in Asia – revealed he wants to dedicate his time to his family as he begged off from seeing action in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. 

“I told them I want to focus first on my family because I’ve been playing non-stop basketball for almost 7 years,” Castro told reporters in Filipino after TNT toppled Columbian in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, June 21.

“I really dedicated myself to the team, as in my mind was always with Gilas. Maybe it’s time to give it to the younger guys and I’ve seen that they are ready.”

Representing the country in the international stage for more than a decade, Castro has been an integral part of the national team.

He won two silver medals in the FIBA Asia Championship and helped the Philippines reach the World Cup in back-to-back editions. 

But after recently tying the knot with long-time partner Lyle, the 32-year-old might have seen the end of his international career. 

“Maybe,” Castro said when asked if he’s retiring from international basketball. 

Philippine team head coach Yeng Guiao – who broke the news that Castro could miss the World Cup on Monday, June 19 – said the Gilas doors are always open to the stalwart should he have a change of heart. 

“I would want to have him on the team but the final say is with Jayson. If he says, ‘I changed my mind, I want to play again,’ I can easily give him a slot. But if he says, ‘I want to rest,’ then we have to look for somebody.” – Rappler.com