Talk ‘N Text’s Castro, Howell named Best Player, Best Import

Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — Talk ‘N Text swept its way into the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

And it’s only fitting that the players most responsible for their unbeaten run were recognized Tuesday night before tipoff of Game 3 of the championship series between the Tropang Texters and the San Mig Coffee Mixers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jayson Castro, the engine that makes the Tropang Texters run like a well-oiled machine, was named Best Player of the Conference for the second time in his career while Richard Howell, a consistent force on both ends of the floor, took home the Best Import award.

Richard Howell and Jason Castro NUKI SABIO/PBA

The Gilas Pilipinas star Castro, who averaged 13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and almost a steal per game and led all locals with 30.4 statistical points through the semifinal round, bested his teammate Ranidel de Ocampo, Air21’s ageless center Asi Taulava and San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo and Arwind Santos.

Castro amassed 1,163 points coming from statistics and votes from e media, fellow players and from the PBA.

The six-foot-eight Howell on the other hand, collected 1352 points to beat out the Mixers’ hardworking reinforcement James Mays, who got 952 points.

Rain or Shine’s Wayne Chism came in third while Air21 sharpshooter Wesley Witherspoon was fourth.

Howell normed 21.4 points, 19.3 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per outing through the semis.

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