Baldwin says Castro go-to-guy on, off court

CHANGSHA – From a quiet, unassuming cager, Jayson Castro has emerged to be not only as Gilas Pilipinas’ ace playmaker and top scoring threat but also a team leader.

Gilas coach Tab Baldwin said there’s more to Castro than just his game, having developed a leadership quality.

“(He used to be) a very quiet individual, very humble, very unselfish. Now we’re seeing the person emerge in the locker room, at the hotel, at meals. He’s a wonderful person. He has leadership qualities. He’s started to demonstrate that,” said Baldwin.

“I’ve told him in one of the previous games, you just need to understand that when you lead, people will follow you. They will follow Jayson. He takes more leadership responsibility and he’ll make the team better,” Baldwin said.

As the team’s lead point guard, Castro has been up to the task, leading the way in almost all the games they’ve played here.

The Pampanga native was at his best versus Iran, sizzling with 26 points as the Filipinos humbled the Iranians, 87-73, in a key match Monday.

Through five games here, the Talk n Text star guard led the team in scoring and playmaking with norms of 17 points and 2.2 assists.

With old fellow Gilas guards Jimmy Alapag and LA Tenorio gone, Castro has become assertive.

Still, Baldwin feels Castro hasn’t reached his full potential.

“There’s more to Jayson and he hasn’t come close to it,” said Baldwin. “I’m blessed to have him.”