Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone and national team returnee Jayson Castro expressed excitement to finally get to work together as they try to give the Philippines its 13th consecutive gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games.
Cone revealed that he actually wanted to draft Castro back in 2008 but Talk n Text beat him to the draw by trading for the No. 3 pick with San Miguel.
"I'm excited about coaching him. I've never had the chance to coach him. I almost drafted him back in 2008 but Chot Reyes jumped ahead of us, traded for him. We thought we're getting him at No. 5, he ended up No. 3 so curse Chot Reyes, I've never had the chance to get Jayson," he recalled smiling.
"But now after all these years, maybe we can do something together. So I'm honored he's here, he accepted the challenge. He's a special player," he added.
The feeling is mutual for the TNT KaTropa ace, who listened intently as Cone took the floor and conducted Gilas' first practice Monday night at Meralco Gym.
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"Sobrang detalyado siya, every movement ine-explain, which is sobrang helpful sa player, yung mga ganoong coach, minsan mo lang maging coach kaya i-aabsorb mo lahat," said Castro of his first practice day with Cone. "First time kay coach Tim, kahit sa All Star games magkalaban pa rin kami. ngayon magkasama sa Gilas."
Castro had previously hang up his jersey in international play, skipping the FIBA World Cup in China, where the Nationals wound up dead last after losing all five matches, However, Asia's Best Point guard was convinced to answer the call of national duties again for the biennial meet on Philippine soil.
"He felt maybe the young guns should come in and take his place (in the World Cup) and I think it's kind of a realization for him watching how much he was missed in that lineup, and his leadership - he's still Asia's best guard.
"And so I think when he was approached again to come in and join us, he's willing to do it. He knows he can contribute and he could be a great help and he can lead this team. I'm just honored that he's here," said Cone.
Castro is reunited with his backcourt partners in Gilas' memorable runner-up finish in the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship in Manila, LA Tenorio and now assistant coach Jimmy Alapag, in this title retention bid in the SEAG.
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"Sobrang saya kasi hindi ko na-imagine na dito kami magkikita kita ulit kasi outside basketball na lang kami nagkikita-kita. Kaya pagdating dito sa practice, parang naalala namin ulit lahat so masaya ako," said "The Blur."
"Natatawa nga kami pag nagkakatinginan kanina," shared Tenorio of the trio's reunion.
"Hindi namin ine-expect na magkakasama pa kaming tatlo for the national team." (OL)
