JAYSON Castro said his latest feat as Finals MVP of the Governors’ Cup in the 49th season of the PBA is something special, considering he never thought he would still be able to win an award at this point in his career.

At 38, Castro is now the Oldest player to win Finals MVP after helping TNT secures 95-85 victory over Barangay Ginebra in the sixth game where he had 13 points, two rebounds and six assists.

It was also the first time Castro won the award alone, as his two previous awards – in the 2010 Fiesta Cup Final and the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup Final – were shared by Jimmy Alapag.

“2011? Napaghahalata na yata ako,” Castro said, smiling when reminded that his last Finals MVP was 13 years ago. “That time, medyo bata pa ako.”

PHOTO: Sherwin Vardeleon

“Sobrang na-appreciate ko, sa age kong ganito,” Castro said.

The individual award was not without its challenges as Castro said the entire team had a range of personal or physical issues during the campaign.

“Sobrang special to his fellow man. Ang dami namang pinagdaanan na hindi language name-media for nakuha pa rin namin ‘yung championship. “You have the most beautiful award name for everyone,” Castro said.

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Castro did not escape this, especially on a physical level, saying that he had to wear equipment to protect certain parts of his body, in particular his right knee.

“To be honest, I can support na ako na kailangang isuot before the match for makatulong kung ano man ‘yung nararamadaman ko,” said Castro, who declined to reveal the nature of his injury. “Despite noon, as a player, championship, no excuse for that. Kailangang Maglaro.

Castro said TNT also had to face a team from Barangay Ginebra that had enough weapons to win a championship.

PHOTO: PBA Images

“Sobrang sarap ng feeling. Against Ginebra na sobrang dami ng fans nila. At the same time, Brownlee na sobrang galing. ‘Yung mga recruits nila, sila (Stephen) Holt. This is a special championship akin to that of the best name,” Castro said.

Castro maintained that he wouldn’t have won the Finals MVP without his teammates.

“Sobrang special to his fellow man. But sabi ko, we play as a team. Makikita niyo talaga, who is the best player in the conference, is not a candidate for Amin. Doon mo mabe-base na we play as a team. Kung sino ‘yung nandiyan, sinusuportahan namin talaga. Nagkataon lang siguro,” Castro said.

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