THE TNT Tropang Giga’s Jayson Castro has started his rehabilitation for the knee injury he suffered before the finals of the 49th Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
“Nakakalakad na ako. Nabigyan na ako ng clearance. Mag-start na ang rehab ko,” said the 38-year-old Castro, who was around when his team TNT Tropang Giga celebrated their 87-83 Game 7 triumph over Ginebra to win the title at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The 5’10” Castro suffered a season-ending knee injury during their semifinal series against Rain or Shine.
Castro hopes to be back early with the Tropang Giga, but that will still depend on coach Chot Reyes, as the squad starts a new campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup, which starts this Friday.
The Philippine Cup opener at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will have Terrafirma Dyip clashing with Phoenix at the 5 p.m., and the Meralco Bolts facing the Converge FiberXers at 7:30 p.m.
With Castro absence during the finals, Rey Nambatac took over his role as point guard for the Tropang Giga during the finals.
Nambatac earned the Finals’ MVP award for effectively assuming the role that belonged to Castro.
“Deserve niya iyung award. Kita niyo naman, nag-take over siya nu’ng nawala ako,” said Castro.
Nambatac was acquired by TNT via trade with Blackwater back in July of last year, in exchange for Kib Montalbo, veteran big man Jewel Ponferrada, and a Season 53 second-round pick.