MANILA, Philippines – Jayson Castro’s season is practically over.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said Castro will be out for 10 to 12 months after the star guard injured his right knee late in their 93-91 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Friday, February 28.
MRI results showed Castro suffered a possible full thickness patellar tendon tear following a drive attempt with three minutes remaining that left him in pain on the floor.
The 38-year-old veteran needed to be helped off the court and stretchered out of the PhilSports Arena on the way to the hospital.
Losing Castro is a huge blow for the Tropang Giga as he had been a stabilizing presence for a TNT side enjoying a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Castro finished with a team-high 24 points in their 88-84 Game 1 win on Wednesday, February 26, and put up 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists before his departure in Game 2.
But Lastimosa said Castro’s absence is an opportunity for other players in the team to step up.
“We are good. We will miss his craftiness, poise, and leadership. It’s time for others to learn how to lead,” said Lastimosa.
The Tropang Giga seek to inch closer to another finals appearance as they shoot for a 3-0 lead in Game 3 on Sunday, March 2, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com