Clare Castro has cleared the air regarding her withdrawal from Gilas Pilipinas Women’s in their 2019 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup campaign later this month.
According to head coach Bert Flores, she needs to catch up on her academics, as she plans to finish her master’s degree this year.
“Si Clare din kasi may pasok eh. May tinatapos siya. Sabi naman niya, may tinatapos niya. Last year na niya kasi eh, at naka-four years na siya sa RP. Nandun pa rin naman siya,” said Flores after FEU’s 79-64 win over Ateneo, Saturday.
“Pero may gusto siya patunayan sa FEU dahil pinag-masters siya.”
For the past few years, the 6-foot-4 native of Cavite has been a pivotal part of the national team program of Patrick Aquino.
This time around, though, Castro wants to make the most out of her final year with FEU — including playing in all of their games in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
“Nanghihinayang, pero madami kasing kulang sa team namin. May mami-miss din ako na games kaya baka mabaon pa yung team namin,” shared Castro, who is averaging 20.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks.
The league even switched the schedule of the tournament to try to sway Castro, changing the Lady Tamaraws’ opening day opponents to the NU Lady Bulldogs instead of the UP Lady Maroons.
However, Castro had already decided.
“Sila Coach Pat nakausap ko. Tinatanong baka puwede mag-iba isip ko. Pinaiba nga nila yung first game namin, baka sakali mapayagan ako umalis,” she continued.
For her part, Castro vows that she will remain with Gilas after their UAAP campaign.
“Babalik ako sa Gilas.”
