Castro vows repeat performance
Jayson Castro is hoping to repeat his memorable performance two years ago when Gilas Pilipinas vies for the lone Olympic berth in the FIBA Asia Championship which starts next week in Changsa, China.
Castro is taking a simple yet valuable advice from Jordan national team member Osama Daghles as rival countries are expected to prevent him from replicating the form that made him a member of the Mythical Team in the 2013 Asian Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Ang sabi niya importante yung court awareness,” Castro said, recalling the tip Daghles gave when he served as an Asian import for Talk ‘N Text during the PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Kasi pag-dating sa international competition, ’yung sa scouting, lahat (players) scouted. Kung paano ka mag-create ng shots para sa’yo and para sa teammates mo,” added Castro. Castro and the rest of the Gilas team are currently in Cebu for the final phase of their preparations for the FIBA Asia tourney.
Gilas Coach Tab Baldwin had described the trip as a “crucial week” for the team that had been cramming for peak form ever since training camp began last month.
“Siguro handa na pero marami pa kailangan sa small details to improve,” said Castro. “Kasi yun talaga ang nagpa-panalo sa amin mga small details. Nag-improve naman especially ngayon nandiyan na si Andray Blatche.”
Daghles has been a national team member for Jordan since 2003 and was a member of the Baldwin-coached 2011 squad that nearly beat host China in the final at Wuhan.
Now coached by former Smart Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman, Jordan is in Group C but Daghles is doubtful to make the squad for the FIBA Asia.