Castro good to play in NBA, says Norman Black

MANILA, Philippines – For Meralco coach Norman Black, if there’s any Filipino player that can play in the NBA today, it’s TNT KaTropa star guard Jayson Castro.

“The NBA D-League is easy for him,” said Black of Castro who is the biggest thorn for the Bolts in their current semifinal playoff.

Castro is the leading contender for the Best Player of the Conference award with his averages of 22.4 points, 7.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals a game.

Black put in taller matchups (Jared Dillinger and Chris Newsome) in a bid to neutralize Castro in Game One of their semis showdown Tuesday.

Nonetheless, Castro found a way to punish the Bolts without necessarily making the baskets.

The reigning FIBA Asia back-to-back Best Point Guard dished out nine assists that went with 14 points, four rebounds and three steals in their 113-95 victory.

 “They had a good game plan. I was reminded by coach Josh (Reyes) that all their defensive schemes were focused on me so I had to find open teammates,” said Castro.

 “I needed to sacrifice scoring, and I’m willing to do that as long as we win,” he added.