Castro out to prove he deserves spot in PBA’s 40 Greatest

MANILA, Philippines – Twenty-four hours before game 3 of the semifinals, Jayson Castro retreated to the deserted receiving area of the Newport Performing Arts Theatre at Resorts World Manila. He grabbed a bite to eat and engaged in small talk with a couple of people just minutes after he was enshrined as one of the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players.

The 15 new names on the list came under scrutiny since it was first announced, with many believing the currently active players could have been slashed in favor of retired legendary cagers.

(SEE: IN PHOTOS: PBA’s 40 Greatest Players ceremony) 

But as the youngest player on the revered list and with many playing years still ahead of him, Castro’s addition arguably raised the most eyebrows. The thought was likely swirling around his head as he milled around the receiving area because it spawned a resolve that he will prove himself worthy of his spot in league history.

“Kailangan ko pa i-prove yung sarili ko na karapat-dapat ako (I need to prove myself and show I am worthy),” the 28-year old told Rappler on Wednesday, April 8, away from the ongoing photo opportunities and celebrations inside the theatre. 

It didn’t take long before he backed his words with solid actions. 

The very next day, he caught fire from long range and swished in 8-of-9 three-pointers to finish with a team-high 27 points to lead Talk ’N Text to a 2-1 semis series lead over Purefoods. He also converted his last 7 triple attempts, per PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

No doubt criticism about his early inclusion among the league’s greatest only fueled him. 

“Napasama ako doon and sinasabi nila bata pa ako,” Castro said after the Texters’ 111-107 win. “So I want to prove sa kanila na karapat-dapat ako doon.”

(I was included and they said I was too young. So I want to prove to them that I deserve my spot.) 

The 2013 FIBA Asia Mythical Team member also posted 10 assists and 18 points in an explosive first half. 

Talk ’N Text is Castro’s team now 

Castro’s performance also solidified his position as the new true leader of Talk ’N Text, taking the spot of former captain Jimmy Alapag, who retired earlier this year.

Alapag, already the Texters’ team manager, is convinced this is Castro’s era now. 

“This was his team already the moment I retired. That’s how it should be,” said the legendary point guard, who is also now part of the PBA’s 40 Greatest.

“He’s been with the company and the franchise now for quite some time. You look at his success not only in the PBA but also internationally, and he’s more than ready. I think he’s really showing everybody that he’s ready and willing to lead this team.”

Head coach Jong Uichico is particularly impressed with how Castro has evolved into a more versatile playmaker. 

“Jayson’s gone a long way from just a scoring point guard,” he said. “Now he’s creating for his teammates aside from scoring also. It’s good for his team.”

(SEE: IN VINES: Castro delivers finishing blows for TNT)

The two-time Best Player of the Conference awardee’s pressing challenge of the moment is to take the Texters through to the finals and avenge a semifinals sweep by San Miguel from last conference. 

“This time kailangan namin i-redeem yung sarili namin even if marami nawala sa amin,” Castro said. “Ito na yung big chance namin.” (This time we need to redeem ourselves even if we lost a lot. This is our big chance.) 

And how will Talk ’N Text finish off a championship team like Purefoods in game 4 on Saturday?

“This time we play as a team,” Castro said. “Even yung import namin yun yung sinasabi na walang individual sa amin. Walang isa lang yung umiiskor or dumedepensa. Lumalaban na kami as a team talaga.” (Even our import says there is no individual among us. No one person will score or defend. We fight as a team.) – Rappler.com