Castro to play vs Japan tonight

The Blur’s back. Being sidelined in the first game of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ second window, Jayson Castro is set to return to the fold, coach Chot Reyes revealed yesterday.

Castro will be rejoined by the crew who competed against the Australians on Thursday: Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Allein Maliksi, Gabe Norwood Roger Pogoy, Kiefer Ravena and Matthew Wright.

Jio Jalalon and Troy Rosario, who also sat out against the Australians, will be reinforcing Gilas. They will be replacing newcomer Abu Tratter, Kevin Alas and Carl Bryan Cruz for the game against Japan on Sunday night.

The Filipinos lost to the Boomers in their first game of the current window, their first defeat in the tournament. Gilas currently touts a 2-1 card.

The taller Aussies now sit atop the Group B standings with an unblemished record in three outings.

Castro is currently the Filipinos’ leading scorer in the tournament, averaging around 20 points per game. Within his last tour of duty with Gilas was also against Japan during the first window action in Tokyo where he posted hung 20 points, seven boards and six dimes.

The veteran guard is currently the Asian qualifiers’ second-leading scorer behind Jordanian Dar Tucker.

Gilas is set to take on the "Akatsuki Five” at the Mall of Asia Arena, 7 p.m. The visitors are looking to arrest a dry spell in the skirmish.