JAYSON Castro visited TNT practice on the eve of Game 6 against the advice of doctors as, at that time, he was not yet cleared to walk after undergoing surgery to repair a patellar tendon tear in his right knee.
But Castro felt he needed to do his bit to help the Tropang Giga, who at that time were trailing 3-2 in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“One time, nagpunta ako ng practice kahit wala pa akong clearance from my doctor na maglakad para lang mabigyan sila ng advice at ma-inspire sila. At least, maganda naman ‘yung naging result,” Castro said.
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The TNT veteran guard only got his clearance from doctors on Friday, but he had already witnessed Game 6 two days earlier at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The 38-year-old Castro watched from the bench to be part of the team for Games 6 and 7, both won by the Tropang Giga with 87-83 scores - the final match of which was determined in overtime.
Castro said his advice wasn’t exactly about the Xs and Os of beating Barangay Ginebra.
“Number one, lagi ko lang sinasabi na kailangang i-enjoy niyo ‘yung game, ‘yung moment kasi, minsan lang ‘yung ganitong finals eh,” said Castro.
Castro's advice proved timely since TNT coach Chot Reyes also admitted that he felt his team was under too much pressure after falling behind, 2-3, in the finals after two consecutive wins by Ginebra.
“Lahat ng distractions outside, sabi ko i-block nila. At huwag muna mag-social media kasi ang daming nangyayari sa social media na hindi mo kailangang makita,” said Castro.
“Enjoy lang din ‘yung game kasi, win or lose, as long as, para sa akin, you enjoy ‘yung game and then you give your best, magaan,” said Castro.
The Tropang Giga acknowledged, especially Finals MVP Rey Nambatac, that Castro’s presence inspired the team's comeback.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud na marinig ‘yung ganun,” Castro said, happy that his presence made an impact even though he was not playing on the court.
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