Having Sam Daghles, one of Jordan’s all-time best playmakers, as one of the quarterbacks of a team is already a huge plus but having him play alongside someone else who is arguably better may pretty much spell the end for not-so-competitive opponents.
Jayson Castro returned to action for the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters Tuesday, and fueled a two-pronged attack for the squad which resulted into a 108-89 destruction of the NLEX Road Warriors.
Castro finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and knocked down four triples, relieving pressure off Daghles to facilitate.
With Castro back, Daghles says he only feels blessed to be able to play alongside another well-respected Asian playmaker.
“Let’s just say he’s a blessing from the sky,” Daghles shared. “A big reason why I came here is Jayson, because he is a great ball player and we are both different players but we can be very powerful together.”
Daghles logged more than 37 minutes in his first three outings for the Tropang Texters, but played for only 30:13 last night as Castro also facilitated well. The Jordanian great chipped in 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, not having to take too many shots or create too much.
In addition, Talk ‘N Text was plus-24 with Castro on the floor while Daghles was sitting down, a “better problem” according to head coach Jong Uichico.
“We have more points of attack. Hopefully, we get right connections to get the rhythm. We have too many players so we just have to figure it out,” Uichico said.
Daghles added that with such unit clicking well, Talk ‘N Text will only get even more dangerous for other opponents.
“We are going to make a lot of problems for a lot of teams with our style. We are both ball-handlers who know how to attack. Jayson attacks well offensively while I set guys up. Having Jayson with me relieves a lot of pressure off me and I relieve a lot of pressure off him,” he said.
“It is a pleasure to play with Talk ‘N Text. It’s contagious. We want to share the ball and when that happens opponents are in trouble.”
And in the long run, Castro says having two playmakers work together will be beneficial as far as being fresh come playoffs time is concerned.
“Maganda para sa amin yun para pagdating ng playoffs ready pa rin kami hindi kagaya dati na pagod na lahat. Ngayon very balanced na.”
