Jayson Castro missed TNT’s final elimination round game in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup against Rain or Shine to rest, as per his head coach Nash Racela.
According to Racela, Castro had to take a time off to “recover” from the brawl between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia in the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers last Monday.
“He needed time to recover. Jayson talked to me before the game. He was asking for some rest,” Racela told reporters on Saturday after the game.
READ: Gilas players say sorry for failing to keep emotions in check leading to brawl
Castro played a significant role in the free-for-all as he was seen punching Aussie big man Daniel Kickert in the face. The veteran point guard was among the 13 players ejected.
“He just needed time to recover from the incident. Hopefully, he’ll be ready by next round,” Racela said.
TNT hardly needed the services of Castro on Saturday as it blew out No. 1 Rain or Shine, 100-85, behind Joshua Smith, Troy Rosario and the steady playmaking of Terrence Romeo.
Racela said he had no problems in giving what Castro was asking for.
READ: Fans divided over Gilas-Australia brawl
“To me as a coach, because they asked for it, it’s my responsibility to give it to them. If they say I cannot play today then I will not play them, that’s my trust,” he said.
“If they say, like Troy, he was honest to say, ‘I’m with the second group of Gilas, I wasn’t really that tired’ so it was actually him who told me, ‘I am more ready than the other three guys.’”
Roger Pogoy, Rosario and Romeo also took part in the ruckus and were thrown out.
READ: Brawl breaks out in Gilas-Australia game
But Racela cleared that had the game against the Painters was of utmost importance, he would’ve expected Castro to suit up.
“Assuming let’s say Alaska lost last night (Friday), I expect Jayson to play. I think he’ll take it upon himself to be available.”