WHEN Gilas Pilipinas’ program resumed early this year under comebacking head coach Chot Reyes, questions were raised whether Jayson Castro, a veteran campaigner of the squad who was named the best point guard in Asia several times, will continue to play for the team.

After losing two games in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year, Mr. Castro along with the other old-time members of Gilas Pilipinas had signified their intentions of giving way to the younger players who are in the program.

Mr. Castro has sacrificed a lot just like the other members.

Away from family several times each time they went on a training overseas is the most difficult part for Mr. Castro.

“That’s the most difficult part, being away from the family, especially to my young son, who is just a year older,” Mr. Castro told BusinessWorld.

But when his name was included in the roster by head coach Chot Reyes, who took over the program from Tab Baldwin, Mr. Castro felt proud to be recalled by his long-time mentor, and this time, he has to play a bigger role, taking over the leadership mantle from Jimmy Alapag, his predecessor.

“This means that I have to be more vocal as well,” added Mr. Castro.

For Mr. Alapag, who played alongside Mr. Castro in the Philippines’ return to the world stage of basketball three years ago, seeing “The Blur” in the Gilas Pilipinas lineup is nothing but essential to the team.

“His presence for the Gilas program is huge,” Mr. Alapag said. “I think he just showed again why he’s the best point guard in Asia for quite sometime. It’s the evolution of The Blur. He has gone so much from our time together in 2009. But again, Jayson is a great player, a great leader. The Gilas program is lucky to have him.”

Mr. Castro has played a crucial role in Gilas Pilipinas’ two victories in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament and on Monday night, he poured in 20 points, dished out four assists and grabbed four rebounds while towing the Philippine squad to a 90-83 win over Chinese Taipei.

“It’s also great that he serves as a mentor to the other young guards like Kiefer (Ravena), Kevin (Alas) and the rest,” Mr. Alapag added. “I just encouraged Jayson about his value in the program. It’s such a huge blessing and an honor to play for Gilas and I thought it’s really important for him to stick and serve as mentor to the newer guys because the program is in transition a little bit. Before, it was me, Ranidel (de Ocampo), Ping (Marc Pingris) and LA (Tenorio). We’re gone now. With Jayson towards the end of his time with Gilas, his presence is gonna be huge.”

Mr. Castro’s presence has become more valuable, especially in the absence of Terrence Romeo, who has been sidelined by an injured knee. — Rey Joble

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