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Tag: Jayson Castro

  • Jayson Castro eyes Game 7 return as TNT fights through injury concerns

    Jayson Castro eyes Game 7 return as TNT fights through injury concerns

    Just when the TNT Tropang 5G forced a winner-take-all Game 7 in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, another challenge emerged. 

     

    Veteran guard Jayson Castro, whose leadership has helped steady TNT throughout the series, became the latest player to join the team’s growing injury list after suffering a sprained ankle in Game 6 against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    Yet if Castro has his way, the injury will not keep him out of the season’s biggest game.

     

    “Che-check lang pero good news, may maga pero ita-try namin makalaro sa Wednesday. Typical na sprained ankle. Namaga siya pero wala namang something na na-damage sa ligaments,” Castro said.

     

    The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter of TNT’s crucial Game 6 victory when Castro landed awkwardly on the foot of Justin Brownlee. Unable to continue, the veteran guard watched the remainder of the contest from the sidelines after finishing with three points, three rebounds, and two assists.

     

    Fortunately for TNT, the loss of one of its leaders did not derail the team’s championship hopes. Chris McCullough delivered a dominant performance and powered the Tropang 5G to a 98-90 victory, allowing TNT to extend the series and set up a final showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

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    The initial diagnosis on Castro’s ankle offered a measure of relief. While swelling was evident, medical evaluations revealed no major ligament damage, keeping the door open for the 10-time PBA champion to suit up in Game 7.

     

    “It’s swollen, but we will try to give it a go on Wednesday,” said Castro.


    His determination comes as no surprise considering the impact he has made throughout the Finals. After coach Chot Reyes inserted him into the starting lineup three games ago, Castro immediately became a stabilizing force for TNT. 

     

    Beyond his offensive contributions, he was tasked with helping lead the defensive effort against Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos, a role that proved critical as the series tightened. Castro’s health, however, is only one part of TNT’s growing concern.

     

    The Tropang 5G entered Game 6 already missing Calvin Oftana, who is dealing with a calf strain, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who continues to recover from an ankle injury. Both remained unavailable as TNT fought to keep its title hopes alive.

     

    “That’s going to be a game-time decision. Our PTs are working double-time on them,” coach Chot Reyes said. 

     

    As much as the team is pushing to get healthy, Reyes acknowledged the reality that comes with preparing for a championship-deciding contest on short recovery time.

     

    “Calvin has a strain so that’s very hard. Brandon, I think, has a better chance because it’s an inversion, an act of sprain. But then the problem is we might have lost Jayson again. Good thing we have one game left because we’re losing men quicker than I’m losing hair,” he said.

     

    With the championship now hanging on a single game, TNT’s focus extends beyond strategy and scouting reports. 

     

    The next few days will be spent racing against time, hoping key pieces can recover in time for one final push. And while Castro’s ankle remains swollen, the veteran guard appears unwilling to let injury stand between him and another opportunity to compete for a title.

     

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  • Rookie Sean Quitevis draws praise from Chot Reyes, Jayson Castro after stellar defensive showing for TNT

    Rookie Sean Quitevis draws praise from Chot Reyes, Jayson Castro after stellar defensive showing for TNT

    TNT Tropang Giga kept their semifinal hopes alive in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup after edging the twice-to-beat NLEX Road Warriors, 96-93, in their quarterfinal clash on Wednesday, May 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Former NBA standout Bol Bol once again starred for TNT, finishing with 34 points and 14 rebounds to power the defending champions to the crucial victory.

     

    While Bol delivered the numbers, rookie Sean Quitevis provided a spark on the defensive end in his first meaningful appearance for TNT. Though he went scoreless in 12 minutes of action, the former Ateneo Blue Eagles guard made his presence felt by hounding NLEX playmakers Robert Bolick and LJay Gonzales.

     

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    Quitevis’ effort drew praise from TNT head coach Chot Reyes, who emphasized the rookie’s importance in filling the void left by injured veteran Jio Jalalon.

     

    “Well, we need a guy to fill the shoes of Jio Jalalon because siya ‘yung sa amin na pume-pressure, maliit na makulit. He’s the one who can get in the face of the opposing team’s ball handlers. Towards the end of the eliminations, when it was clear na Jio won’t be ready for the playoffs, then we made that decision,” Reyes said during the postgame press conference.

    Reyes revealed that TNT activated Quitevis just a day before their final elimination-round game against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, specifically to address defensive matchups against quick guards.

     

    “We don’t have a matchup for guys like that. For RJ Abarrientos, for LJay Gonzales, very quick and very good players and ball handlers. So that’s the role that he plays for us,” he added.

    TNT veteran Jayson Castro also commended Quitevis for staying ready despite spending most of the conference outside the main rotation.

     

    “Even sa practice, sobrang ganda nung pina-practice ni Sean. Sobrang deserve niyang ma-lineup talaga. At the same time, ‘yun ‘yung mga guy na para sa amin, nag-compose ng energy namin.

    “Kasi, always 100 percent sobrang positive niya. ‘Yung attitude niya, sobrang ganda. So, I think, ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami nanalo ngayon because of Sean,” Castro stated.

     

    For Quitevis, the opportunity to contribute on the playoff stage remains surreal, but one he believes he prepared for through hard work and perseverance.

     

    “Honestly, I still can’t comprehend what’s happening, but it’s kind of just flight or fight. Every time I’m on the floor, or coach calls my name, I’m just like, let’s go. I’m ready. I put in a lot of work with Better Basketball and I think this moment is just kind of just another day, another test for me and I’m just ready to put my whole heart on the floor,” Quitevis said.

     

    Quitevis could once again play a key role as TNT looks to force its way into the semifinals when the Tropang Giga and Road Warriors meet in Game 2 on Saturday, May 16, at the Ynares Center.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes praises Jayson Castro as he enters 10K-point club in TNT win over NLEX

    Chot Reyes praises Jayson Castro as he enters 10K-point club in TNT win over NLEX

    For nearly two decades, Jayson Castro has been the steady force behind TNT’s identity—and on Wednesday night, he added another historic chapter to that legacy.


    The veteran guard finally broke into the exclusive 10,000-point club as TNT Tropang 5G pulled off a hard-fought 96–93 win over the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Season 50 quarterfinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The milestone came in the third quarter, when Castro sank the first of two free throws at the 3:25 mark, with the second tying the game at 67-all—setting the stage for TNT’s eventual surge and last lead change of the contest.

     

    At nearly 40 years old, Castro became the second-oldest player to reach the scoring milestone, behind Arwind Santos, doing it in his 17th season with TNT.

     

    His journey, however, is deeply tied to TNT’s long-term gamble on him.

     

    “That’s a recognition that’s long coming. I’m very proud of his journey, kasi kung maalala niyo, we made a really big, risky move when we traded a guy by the name of Jay Washington. When I got to Talk ‘N Text, basically he was our best player,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said

     

    “But we made that move to be able to be in a position to draft Jayson Castro,” he added. “Who would’ve known he would be in that elite club of ten thousand points?”

     

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    Drafted third overall in 2008—via a pick originally acquired from Air21—Castro would go on to become one of the most decorated guards in league history, collecting 10 PBA titles, three Finals MVPs, five Best Player of the Conference awards, and five Mythical First Team selections, while also starring for Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    For Castro, however, the milestone carried a deeper meaning beyond numbers, especially after battling injury setbacks last conference.

     

    “Di ko rin ma-imagine na makakapag perform pa ako ng ganito,” Castro said.

     

    His achievement also came in a crucial moment, as TNT survived a do-or-die clash against the top-seeded Road Warriors to stay alive in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The defending champions now prepare for a rematch on Saturday, May 16, at the Ynares Center Antipolo, with another knockout battle looming.

     

    Even beyond the milestone, Castro’s presence continues to define TNT’s identity as a calm stabilizer in high-pressure moments. 

     

     

    His leadership on the floor, especially in late-game situations remains one of the team’s biggest assets, setting the tone for younger teammates and reinforcing TNT’s reputation as a perennial contender in the league. 

     

     

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  • Jayson Castro returns for Season 50 as TNT banks on veteran leader in Commissioner’s Cup

    Jayson Castro returns for Season 50 as TNT banks on veteran leader in Commissioner’s Cup

    The TNT Tropang 5G will welcome back a familiar leader as the franchise prepares for the start of the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Veteran playmaker Jayson Castro returns for his 17th campaign in the league, marking a significant step in his comeback after a serious knee injury sidelined him for months.

     

    Castro suffered a patellar tendon tear during TNT’s semifinal clash against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup. The injury forced the longtime star guard to spend the past several months focused on recovery and rehabilitation, eventually missing the entire Philippine Cup.

     

    Without their veteran floor general, TNT still managed to reach the finals of that conference before falling to the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen.

     

    Now healthy enough to return, Castro resumes his role as one of the team’s most important leaders. At 39, the player known as “The Blur” remains a steady presence whose experience could prove crucial for a TNT squad leaning on guards Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading in the backcourt rotation.

     

    Before the injury, Castro averaged 9.5 points per game during the conference and has maintained a 14.1-point career scoring average across his long tenure with TNT.

     

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    His decorated résumé includes multiple championships and individual honors, with the most recent being named the  PBA Governors’ Cup Finals MVP in 2024, adding to his reputation as one of the league’s most accomplished point guards.

     

    TNT will enter the new conference with high expectations. The team is widely viewed as an early contender after securing NBA veteran Bol Bol as its import, a move expected to strengthen the Tropang 5G’s inside presence.

     

    Meanwhile, the team will open the conference without veteran big man Poy Erram, who was placed on the injury/reserved list.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup begins, Castro’s return provides TNT with something that cannot easily be replaced—experience, leadership, and the steady hand of a champion guard who has spent nearly two decades guiding the franchise.

     

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  • Jayson Castro nearing return from long injury layoff as TNT star eyes comeback next PBA conference

    Jayson Castro nearing return from long injury layoff as TNT star eyes comeback next PBA conference

    TNT Tropang Giga veteran Jayson Castro has missed the entire 2025 PBA Philippine Cup as he continues to work his way back from a major right knee injury suffered earlier this year.

     

    The 38-year-old floor general went down during Game 2 of TNT’s semifinal series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the previous conference, an incident that immediately raised concern given the severity of the injury. Early reports projected a recovery timeline of around six months—an outlook that effectively ruled Castro out for the opening conference of the league’s landmark 50th season and forced TNT to navigate the all-Filipino tournament without one of its most decorated and dependable leaders.

     

    Despite the long layoff, there is growing optimism inside the TNT camp that Castro’s return is right around the corner.

     

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    Encouraging signs surfaced during Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, when Castro was spotted joining the team during shootaround. Moving comfortably and showing no obvious signs of discomfort, the former Best Player of the Conference appeared eager to ramp up his preparations as the Tropang Giga chase a title with him watching from the sidelines.

    Castro also provided an upbeat update on his status, sharing that his recovery has progressed significantly in recent weeks thanks to consistent rehabilitation and additional work on his own time.

     

    “I have been doing some extra work so that I could shake off some rust,” Castro told reporters at the venue. “But my progress has been great and my recovery has been tremendous because of the work being done by our physiotherapists.”

     

    While he remains cautious and focused on ensuring his knee is fully strengthened before returning to game action, Castro believes he is nearing full health and is targeting the next PBA conference for his comeback—news that could provide TNT a major boost heading into the next phase of the season.

     

    “I’m still focused on strengthening my knee, but I think I’m fully recovered,” he added.

     

    Castro’s return would not only restore TNT’s backcourt depth, but also bring back a proven winner whose experience, leadership, and playmaking have long been central to the franchise’s success. With the Tropang Giga still fighting for the Philippine Cup crown, having their longtime star nearing a comeback could be the best possible reinforcement TNT can look forward to once the next conference begins.

     

     

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