HERE’S proof that Philippine basketball has regained its perch on the Asian pedestal and that Jason Castro is one of the reasons why.

Believe it or not, a Filipino could be playing in the tough China Basketball Association (CBA) later this year with the Gilas Pilipinas and TNT Ka-Tropa standout Castro now entertaining an offer to play there as an import.

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Offers to play there as imports usually land on the laps of Americans or Europeans, but Castro’s sterling performances in the last two Fiba Asia Championships, especially the one last year in Changsha, China, were enough to convince one team in the CBA to try and lure the fleet-footed point guard there.

This was learned by the Inquirer from a very unimpeachable source, with Castro’s camp only awaiting, first, a go-signal from Texters management and a written agreement from the CBA team on the player’s living conditions.

Castro’s current pact with the Texters expires at the end of next month, and he has yet to sign a new deal, proof that he is interested in the Chinese offer.

Seeking PLDT go-signal

But while Castro can opt to leave any time with his contract over, the source revealed that the player is seeking PLDT management’s go-signal and good graces. The source, who asked not to be identified, said Castro’s China stint will amplify the Talk ‘N Text brand anyway, aside from bringing honor to the country.

The source did not identify the team that “has tendered the offer to Castro even before the second (PBA) conference (the Commission er’s Cup) was going on.”

A native of Pampanga province, Castro was named to the Mythical First Team of the Asian Championship the last two editions where Gilas finished second each time, to Iran in Manila three years ago and to the Chinese last year.

Dominant point guard

Castro dominated point guard action in the region in those two tournaments, even with the presence of Mahdi Kamrani of Iran, NBA veteran Yuta Tabuse of Japan and several crack guards from South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

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According to the source, Castro is working out a scenario where he will skip the Philippine Cup next season, which will start late October at the earliest, and then come back for the Commissioner’s Cup if the league and his Chinese team will allow it.

The CBA schedule is just like the NBA, where only one championship is disputed each season, although the tournament only runs until late February. The Philippine Cup will end at around that time.

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