Jayson Castro would trade individual honor for Gilas gold

CHANGSHA, China - As Gilas Pilipinas settled for the silver medal anew in the FIBA Asia Championship, Jayson Castro was also named to the Mythical First Team for the second time and reclaimed his spot as the best point guard in Asia.

It was a small consolation for the heartbreaking loss against China, but The Blur could not allow himself to take comfort in bagging an individual award.

"Sana nag-gold na lang, kahit wala na 'yung mythical five," he told GMA News Online in a somber tone inside the team bus after the game.

Castro joined China's Yi Jianlian, Zhou Qi, Guo Ailun, and Iran's Samad Nikkhah Bahrami in the mythical team, but it was an achievement that he already accomplished back in Manila two years ago.

IN PHOTOS: GILAS PILIPINAS VS. CHINA

He would rather give his team the championship given a choice, but Gilas could not scale the Great Wall erected by the home team.

"We fell short kasi talagang dinisrupt nila 'yung offense natin atsaka medyo 'yung mga referee, may konting tulong," the guard said.

A number of questionable calls were whistled on the Philippines during the game, including a travel called on Castro himself while he was dribbling the ball.

The guard was limited to eight points during the match due to foul trouble and an off-shooting night, failing to carry the team to a trip to the Rio Olympics next year.

"Sobrang masakit pero sabi nga ni Coach Tab (Baldwin) we need to move on and matuto tayo sa pagkatalo natin na 'to." --JST, GMA News