Jayson Castro was elated on Friday night, after the TNT Katropa pulled the rug out from underneath LaDontae Henton and the Alaska Aces at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, even if he had logged in almost 40 minutes.
“Kailangan namin manalo bago yung long break, so kahit ako, even na pagod na talaga, kailangan ko ipakita na hindi kami mag-gi-give up, especially yung mga veterans,” said Castro, who flirted with a triple-double with 23 points, nine boards, and 10 dimes.
The victory, which improved TNT to 2-1, was a perfect sendoff for the Asia’s best point guard and teammate Roger Pogoy, who will fly with Gilas Pilipinas on Sunday morning for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon.
But the Nationals were hit with a setback once more, even if the continental meet has yet to start. And, it has something to do with San Miguel Beermen’s star center, the 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo.
The three-time PBA Most Valuable Player was diagnosed with a strained calf muscle, as confirmed by SMB governor Robert Non earlier in the night. It will most likely sideline the 27-year-old Cebuano for the Asian cagefest.
Asked about the matter, the 31-year-old point guard lamented that Fajardo’s loss, obviously, is a huge blow to Gilas and its campaign, which will commence on August 9 versus China.
“Wala, ganun talaga,” lamented the two-time FIBA Asia silver medalist.
“Kung may injury, kailangan magpahinga. Malaking kawalan, pero kailangan mag-step up ng other bigs na kasama.”
