Even while recovering from a serious knee injury, Jayson Castro continues to make a significant impact on his TNT Tropang Giga teammates. Ahead of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals opener against Barangay Ginebra, Castro’s words of encouragement helped boost the team’s morale, proving that his leadership extends beyond the court.
Castro’s Influence Despite Injury
Jayson Castro, TNT’s veteran leader, is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery due to a patella tear sustained during the semifinals against Rain or Shine. His injury ruled him out for the rest of the season, a tough blow for TNT, especially after his heroic performance in the previous conference, where he led the team to the Governors’ Cup championship and earned Finals MVP honors.
Despite his physical absence, Castro remains a guiding force for the team. Several TNT players, including Roger Pogoy, visited him at his home in Pampanga before Game 1 of the finals. During this visit, Castro reassured them that they could compete at a high level even without him.
Words of Encouragement that Ignited TNT
As the players prepared to return to Manila, Castro left them with a simple but powerful message:
“Sabihan mo yung mga boys na huwag kayong matakot maglaro. Laruin ninyo lang yung laro ninyo. Kahit na wala si Kuya Jayson, kaya ninyo yan.”
(“Tell the boys not to be afraid to play. Just play your game. Even without me, you can do it.”)
These words resonated with the team, fueling their confidence as they entered the championship series against the formidable Barangay Ginebra Kings.
A Fiery Start for TNT in Game 1
The impact of Castro’s encouragement was evident as TNT stormed into Game 1 with intensity. Roger Pogoy led the early charge, scoring all of his nine first-quarter points from beyond the arc. The Tropang Giga dominated the opening period, finishing with a commanding 29-18 lead that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Pogoy continued his sharpshooting, ending the game with 15 points—all from three-point range—while import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered a game-high 34 points. TNT collectively shot 14-of-37 from beyond the arc, a key factor in their 95-89 victory.
Head coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the importance of their shooting performance, stating in the post-game press conference:
“Hopefully, we can sustain that. That’s the shooting we need.”
Castro’s Legacy as a Leader
While TNT still faces a tough series ahead, Castro’s leadership continues to inspire his teammates, showing that his influence goes beyond just his performance on the court. His presence, even from the sidelines, serves as a motivating force that keeps the Tropang Giga driven and focused in their pursuit of another championship.