Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone admitted that Jayson Castro’s injury will be a tough blow for the national team, especially to its campaign in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
The TNT star suffered a soleus muscle strain during the first quarter of the KaTropa’s 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup clash with the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday. He will miss 3-4 weeks.
Given that, the multi-decorated bench tactician doubts that Castro will still be able to play for Gilas.
“I don’t see how he can,” Cone said on Saturday moments after Barangay Ginebra defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters — and hours after reports of Castro’s injury rolled out.
“If he can make the minimum time back that means he’ll be coming in November 26, 27. And then that would be like… Three days before the tournament starts. That’s if he’s healthy and in shape,” he continued.
“If it’s five weeks then he’s out. Six weeks, we’re already done. It’s basically a four-to-six-week injury.”
Still, Cone said that he and Gilas will consult with the renowned Dr. Raul Canlas before deciding whether they will call in somebody to take Castro’s place or go on without him.
“We’ll talk to Dr. Canlas and hear what he has to say before we make a final ruling, whether we’ll look for somebody else or consider playing without him,” said the 60-year-old mentor.
“Like I said, it’s a huge blow. He’s so respected amongst the fifteen guys there.”
