MANILA — TNT Tropang Giga’s veteran guard, Jayson Castro, has been officially ruled out for the rest of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season after suffering a severe knee injury during Game 2 of their Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed on Saturday (01 Mar 2025) that Castro sustained a full-thickness patellar tendon tear in his right knee.
The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of TNT’s 93-91 win over Rain or Shine at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Castro had to be stretchered off the court, a rare sight given his lengthy and decorated career, which has largely been free of serious injuries despite some past setbacks.
Castro’s absence is a significant blow for the Tropang Giga, who have relied on his leadership and experience throughout their recent championship runs.
His most notable achievement came in the recent Governors’ Cup, where he was named Finals MVP after helping TNT claim the title.
Unfortunately, with the injury, Castro will miss the remainder of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals and the upcoming Philippine Cup, which is set to begin next month.
TNT, now facing a major challenge in their title defense, will have to find a way to move forward without one of their cornerstone players.
In the immediate aftermath of Castro’s injury, TNT will look to point guard Rey Nambatac to step up and take on a larger role in the absence of the veteran floor general.
Nambatac will be expected to contribute significantly at the point guard position and help lead the team through the remainder of their postseason campaign.
TNT is currently leading their best-of-seven semifinal series 2-0 after surviving a late-game rally by Rain or Shine in Game 2. Despite being without Castro for much of the game and losing import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to fouls in the fourth quarter, the Tropang Giga managed to hold on for the victory.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where TNT will attempt to extend their lead in the series and take another step toward defending their title.
Before his injury in Game 2, Castro had posted 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. In the series opener, he had an outstanding performance, contributing 24 points, three assists, and four steals to help TNT secure an 88-84 victory.
ia/mnm
