“The Blur” has retired from the international stage.
Jayson Castro, 30, officially bid farewell to the Philippine men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, after another heartbreaking elimination in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Castro finished the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with averages of 13.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
“The end of our bid for a spot at the Rio Olympics will also be the end of my stint as a member of Gilas Pilipinas,” Castro’s Instagram post opened.
“For the past few years, it has been my honor to represent all of you but now it’s time to hand over the responsibility to the younger generation.”
“Maraming salamat sa walang sawang pagsuporta niyo sa Gilas. Hindi ko makakalimutan lahat ng pinagsamahan natin.”
“Ako si Jayson Castro, taga Guagua, Pampanga, lumaban para sa bayan.”
Castro made his FIBA debut in 2013 during the Asia Championships. In the four FIBA-sanctioned tournaments he played, Castro averaged 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
This ends a stellar international career, in which he was able to help lead Gilas Pilipinas to two runner-up finishes in the Asia Championships that led to the country’s return to the world championships.
