Castro felt surreal facing off with ‘mentor’ Alapag
Even Jayson Castro felt different going up against former teammate Jimmy Alapag when Talk ‘N Text clashed against Meralco on Wednesday.
“Sobrang parang di pa rin ako makapaniwala kasi sobrang tagal naming magkasama at the same time, sya talaga ang nag-guide sa akin at nagturo kung paano maglaro as a point guard,” he said. “Yung experience ko with him, hindi ko talaga makakalimutan.”
But it seems that the retooled Tropang Texters were more than ready set aside the emotions as they short-circuited the Bolts, 105-91.
Knowing Alapag’s arsenal, TNT made sure to clamp down on defense on its former stalwart and prevented any sort of run Alapag could possibly ignite anytime.
“When we were up by 15, talagang he was looking to shoot. Parang medyo kinakabahan na ako kasi knowing Jimmy talaga, kapag down talaga, sya ang tumitira,” said Castro.
“Buti na lang kanina alam namin kung ano ang gagawin nya kaya ipinapasa na lang nya ang bola.”
More than anything, the Kapampangan dribbler is elated to share the moment with his mentor on a competitive game for the first time in their careers, more so that it coincided with Castro joining the PBA’s 5,000-point club.
“Sobrang happy sya na nakita niya ako na nakapag-perform ng ganun. Sinabi ko nga sa kanya na nami-miss ko siya kasi kapag national team nga kami yung magkasama dahil pareho kaming point guard,” a beaming Castro said.
“Sya talaga ang pinaka-mentor ko kaya happy ako na bumalik sya ulit.”
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