Jason Castro is back with a vengeance just less than two months after failing to lead his team to a fourth straight Philippine Cup title. The 5’8” guard out of Philippine Christian University opened the Commissioner’s Cup with renewed vigor, averaging 17.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists to give Talk ‘N Text an early share of the lead in the standings with San Miguel Beer with similar 2-0 records.
The lightning-quick Castro fired 12 points including two three-point shots, keying Talk ‘N Text’s early breakaway to flatten defending champion Alaska, 85-72 at the start of the import-spiced conference last Wednesday.
Castro up the ante of his game on Saturday, this time banging 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals to join forces with import Richard Howell in nosing out a fighting Air21 side, 95-91 on Saturday.
The veteran Talk ‘N Text guard’s solid start earned him the Accel-PBA Press Corps. Player of the Week in the Commissioner’s Cup’s kick-off period of March 5-9. He nosed out reigning MVP Arwind Santos of San Miguel Beer for the weekly citation.
Coach Norman Black said since being elimination from the Philippine Cup playoffs, the Tropang Texters have been working extra hard on improving their defense as they try to get the much-needed head start in the shortened elimination round format.
Castro is one of the key to the Tropang Texters’ fast start due to his ability to break down the defense with his quickness as well as being a reliable fastbreak anchor.
“I’m happy that our defense was able to hold up for us (against Air21). It feels good to get the second win. It’s very important to have a good start in the conference, because we look at this conference more as a sprint, so we really need to have a good start,” said Black.
Talk ‘N Text will try to grab the solo lead when it clashes with San Miguel on Friday.