Castro impressed with Batang Gilas, hails youth program
Jayson Castro
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine men's basketball team took time during their off day to watch their Under-16 counterparts against Indonesia.
Jayson Castro, the best point guard in Asia, marveled at the showing of Batang Gilas, who ran Malaysia to the ground in the first half of play.
"Nung maglaro ako sa Youth team nung 2004, wala pang programa tulad nito," said Castro.
Castro played for the Under-18 team that won the SEABA U-18 title in 2004. That team was coached by Johnny Tam and included stalwarts Ogie Menor, Dylan Ababou and Mike Baldos among others.
"Ang sarap panoorin yung mga bata ngayon. Grabe yung talent," said Castro. "It shows that our program is working and meron tayong pipeline ng talent papunta sa men's team."
Castro refused to say who among Batang Gilas impressed him the most, but he did point out that 6-foot-11 center Kai Sotto has tremendous upside.
"Basta na-train yung bata ng maayos at i-seryoso niya yung basketball malayo pupuntahan niya,” said Castro.
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