Castro hopes to get grand PBL exit

For back-to-back MVP winner Jason Castro, the coming PBL Unity Cup is the best time to showcase his skills and talent.

“I must turn in a good performance since it could be my last conference,” said Castro in Filipino during the PSA Awards Night Saturday where he was honored as last year’s top amateur player.

To boost his stock in the pro league, Castro said, he has to play consistently and assert his dominance just like what he did last year where he helped Harbour Centre win two championships.

“I have to show what I can do for those who are interested in getting my services,” said the 5-foot-9 Castro who also played a key role in the Philippine team’s gold medal win in the 24th SEA Games in Thailand last year.

Reached for comment regarding Castro’s PBA plan, Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero said he will not stand in the way for his player’s advancement.

“I have no problem with it, in fact I have to thank him for serving the country and our team very well. He’s very crafty player and a very good person,” said Romero. “It’s time for him to move up to a higher level.”

Romero, however, has one more request for his star player before turning pro.

“I hope he could give us another title,” said Romero, whose team was likewise feted for its success in the PBL.

The Unity Cup starts on Saturday with Harbour Centre gunning for another record – a fifth straight championship.

Meanwhile, a source closely identified with Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, Hapee Toothpaste’s top gunner, disclosed that the 6-foot-5 guard is also set to join the PBA Rookie Draft in August – same thing for Fil-Am Solomon Mercado, Castro’s backcourt partner.

In the absence of Harbour’s marquee players last conference, Mercado joined hands with TY Tang, Jerwin Gaco and Al Vergara in pulling off one of the league’s greatest comeback wins in the finals.

Aside from Castro, also expected to flaunt their best form are Toyota Otis’ Cholo Villanueva and Patrick Cabahug, Hapee’s Larry Rodriguez and Mark Borboran, Ian Saladaga of Pharex.