Jayson Castro cautions teammates not to depend too much on import

Jayson Castro praised TNT KaTropa's performance in the lopsided win over Blackwater despite being forced to play with an all-Filipino line-up after sending home import Jeremy Tyler this week.

Castro was one of seven players who scored in double figures as the KaTropa rolled to a 120-101 victory Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a 4-1 record and a share of the lead in the Commissioner's Cup before the All-Star break.

"Maganda kasi lahat nagcontribute and the same time going into this game ready kami, especially on defense, dahil wala nga kaming import na malaki," Castro said.

TNT's victory came after a 110-100 loss to Alaska last Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, ending a 3-0 start in the season's second conference while forcing management to relieve Tyler.

Though Tyler posted a double-double in that contest, Castro felt they relied too heavily on the American center's presence that led to the team's first loss.

"Masyado kaming relaxed nung last game and at the same time ineexpect namin si Jeremy na magcontribute," said Castro. "Pero narealize namin na parang that game dapat di kami umasa sa kanya, dapat nag-start sa amin."

Castro believes the win should serve as a confidence-booster for the locals as TNT takes a break for the league's All-Star festivities. The KaTropa return to action on June 1 against the Columbian Dyip.

"Iba pa rin pag may import ka and at the same time, pagdating ng mga fourth quarter may mapupuntahan talaga kami. Pero confident naman ako sa mga teammate ko ngayon kasi confidence nila ngayon mataas," he said.(JT)