Jayson Castro. Fiba.com
Jayson Castro will be making his return for the Philippines in its game against Japan on Sunday after missing one game due to an ankle injury.
Castro, the star point guard, did not play in Gilas Pilipinas’ 84-68 loss to Australia on Thursday in Melbourne.
READ: Injured Castro out for Gilas vs Australia
Jio Jalalon and Troy Rosario, who also missed the game against the Boomers, are also suiting up against the Japanese at Mall of Asia Arena.
Castro, Jalalon and Rosario replaced Kevin Alas, Carl Brian Cruz and Abu Tratter in the final lineup, which was announced by national team coach Chot Reyes on ESPN5’s Facebook page.
Joining the three in the roster are June Mar Fajardo, Andray Blatche, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, Kiefer Ravena, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy and Allein Maliksi.
Fajardo, the reigning four-time PBA MVP, led the Filipinos with 15 points against the Aussies, who remained undefeated at 3-0.
Blatche, who only had eight points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes against Australia, is expected to have a much better outing against Japan, which has yet to win after three games.