Asia's best PG Castro excited to play in World Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Never in Jayson Castro’s wildest dreams that he will be heralded as one of Asia’s best player.

In the PBA, he is just one of the rising stars. But in Asia, he’s regarded as the best point guard with his stellar play in the just concluded FIBA Asia Championship.

“Hindi ko naman talaga ine-expect yun. I’m a team player, alam niyo naman yun,” the ever humble Castro, who used his American father’s surname William in the tournament, told Philstar.com.

But his lightning speed and courageous heart to attack the rim against players few feet taller than him made heads turn, including the FIBA Asia body which named him to the tournament’s Mythical Five.

“Any award, hindi ko in-expect. Kung ibibigay sa akin, thank you. Kung hindi ok lang naman sa akin,” Castro said. “At least, na-achieve namin ang goal naming na makasama sa Spain.”

In the FIBA World Cup, he’ll go up against the world’s best point guards that may include Spain’s Ricky Rubio, USA’s Derrick Rose and Russel Westbrook among others.

Castro is thrilled. He’s giddy as a kid, who has just received the toy he really wanted.   

“Sobrang excited. Lahat ng player, iyun ang dream na makapunta sa World Basketball Championship.  Lalo na siguro kung malapit na,” said Castro, who averaged 11.8 points on 31 percent three-point shooting clip aside from 3.3 rebounds and 3 assists to join Korea’s Kim Mingoo, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chih-Chieh, Iran’s Oshin Sahakian and Hamed Hadadi in the Mythical Five.  

But the Talk n Text prized guard isn’t looking ahead of himself.

“For now, focus muna sa PBA,” Castro said. “Kapag malapit na, dun ko na iisipin.”

Tonight, Castro returns to the PBA but not to play. Not just yet.  But to be feted by the league that has given him the biggest break to become Asia’s best point guard.

And they will party the night away in a much deserved victory bash at Resorts World.