SINGAPORE – If the price is right, RP team standout Jason Castro could be heading to a more lucrative stint in Australia next year and not to the PBA.
This after the 5-foot-10 Castro caught the fancy of one of the officials of the Singapore Slingers after helping the SEA Games-bound RP team to a come-from-behind 100-93 win Tuesday here.
“Someone from the Slingers approached me and told me they’re looking for Filipinos to play for the team, he seemed interested in getting me,” said Castro in Filipino.
“If the offer is good I might try it but I hope I’ll be with some Filipinos so that I won’t get lonely,” Castro said.
The Singapore Slingers are campaigning in the Australia-based National Basketball League Hummer Championship.
The spitfirish Castro, who deferred plans to join the PBA draft to join the RP team in next month’s SEA Games in Thailand, impressed the Slingers with his lightning-quick moves and steady shooting.
He finished with 16 points, five assists, three steals and the same number of rebounds in 31 minutes of action.
Harbour Centre team owner and amateur basketball godfather Mikee Romero said he would not stand in Castro’s way if he would choose to play in the NBL, Australia’s version of the PBA.
“I’ll be more than happy and proud that one of my boys would be given that golden chance to see action in the Australian League,” said Romero. “And if things work out well, it could be a way for him to play in the NBA.”
The Slingers are just into their second season in the 13-team NBL and have made progress in their campaign in the Hummer Championship. – Joey Villar