Jayson Castro proves experience still rules

On an evening when a rookie tried to make his mark, TNT’s battle-hardened veteran Jayson Castro turned in probably the most unforgettable performances of his profession.

The 38-year-old playmaker, steering the one team he has ever played for in his 16-year profession, willed the franchise to a second straight PBA Governors’ Cup title.

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“I feel it’s all my experience showing. I’ll not be the high-scoring type but I attempt to contribute through my leadership. And I feel that’s what people saw in me on this series,” he told the Inquirer on his way back to the team’s dugout following hours of celebrating with family and fans.

Castro delivered 13 points within the title-clinching Game 6 over fancied Barangay Ginebra at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

It was a good output until backdropped by a series-high 31 points by No. 3 pick RJ Abarrientos, who as early as Game 1 penciled Castro as the usual he needed to match within the Finals.

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And in laying waste to the young Ginebra stud’s profession performance, Castro notched a number of milestones, too.

Now 38, far faraway from the dizzying moves that earned him the moniker “The Blur,” Castro became the oldest Finals MVP and won the plum by himself for the primary time ever after sharing the primary two with Jimmy Alapag.

Castro’s teammates and coaches celebrated him as he accepted the award which put him alongside three-time winners Danny Ildefonso and Eric Menk and a shade behind league leaders June Mar Fajardo, LA Tenorio, James Yap and Danny Siegle.

“Vintage Jayson. I call him the resident import of TNT,” PBA great Jojo Lastimosa, who now serves because the Tropang Giga’s team manager, said in a separate chat.

“[Doing all that] even on the age of 38?” the 10-time champion and former Alaska superstar added. “I couldn’t play that quick once I was 38. I wish I could. I really like him. He’s one among a form and other people forget how good Jayson is. Now they see he still has got it.”

Lastimosa pointed to Castro’s steal on Abarrientos at the three:29 mark of the ultimate period as essentially the most critical moment of the triumph, adding that the play paved the way in which for import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s personal barrage and TNT’s draw back that assured the coronation.

“Jayson showed [younger guards] that if you must win, you continue to got to get through him,” Lastimosa said with a smile.

Because the revelries died down, Castro made it clear that his drive has not: “I feel I can still compete.”

And together with the reeking smell of the celebratory alcohol, Castro’s future intentions cut through the room.

“I really like this team. I would like to win one other Jayson Castro proves experience still rules,” Castro said, deadpan.