Castro ready to step up for Gilas

CHANGSHA – Through the rest of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, Jayson Castro could be expected to be assertive and be the take-charge guy that he was in gaining a spot in the FIBA Asia Mythical Selection in 2013.

He essayed the role in their 101-50 conquest of Hong Kong Thursday, with his sterling 21-point performance marked by a remarkable 5-of-6 3-point shooting. 

In the Jones Cup, the Talk n Text stalwart really stepped up and led the charge only in their overtime grind against the Wellington Saints of New Zealand.

Even then, Castro landed a spot in the Mythical Team in the Taipei joust.

“I was trying to involve my teammates especially the shooters, thinking we needed to show that we can compete with our outside shooting. Many doubted our shooting,” said Castro.

“In this game (against Hong Kong), coach Tab (Baldwin) told me I need to score,” he added.

He top scored with 21 points after contributing only 10 in their 73-75 upset by Palestine.

He rued he should’ve been more aggressive against the Palestinians, whom he believed they could beat by 20 or 30 points if not being complacent.

Meanwhile, Terrence Romeo, the Gilas back-up point guard and the sensational star in the 2015 Jones Cup, had struggled with his shooting through their first two games.

He went 4-of-13 from the field against Palestine and 3-of-16 against Hong Kong. He’s 1-of-10 from the 3-point land in those two games.

The team is hopeful, though, Romeo will hit a good rhythm as the tourney goes on.