A surprise but well-timed visit from their longstanding leader, Jayson Castro, gave the TNT Tropang Giga fresh hope and motivation before their pivotal Game 6 triumph. Castro, who is regarded as the “heart and soul” of the club, disregarded his physical limits in order to be there for his teammates when they needed him most.

Castro shocked the team by showing up at their practice at the Moro Lorenzo Gym while TNT was down Barangay Ginebra 3-2 in the best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. The 38-year-old tried to personally cheer up the struggling Tropang Giga, even though he was still recuperating from recent knee surgery.

Castro’s visit could hardly have come at a worse time. TNT was one win away from giving up the title to their longtime rivals after suffering a depressing 73-66 loss in Game 5. Castro had hoped to join the club sooner, but his injuries prevented him from doing so, according to coach Chot Reyes.

“Talaga namang gusto niyang pumunta, pero talaga namang nahihirapan siya,” Reyes said. “Naka-crutches na siya, may walker pa.” Castro found it difficult to go to the team’s second-floor conference area, according to the coach. “Fifteen minutes na kami nandun, wala pa si Jayson kasi ang bagal ng lakad niya,” Reyes said.

Castro maintained a tight relationship with the team in spite of his illness, speaking with Josh Reyes, the deputy coach, frequently to offer advice and support during the finals series. Despite being sidelined, his commitment remained unwavering.

More than just a morale boost was provided by the visit. Castro’s presence had a direct effect on TNT’s performance in Game 6. Castro made another appearance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum hours after showing up for practice. This time, he joined the squad in the dugout and then sat silently at the far end of the TNT bench during the intense match.

A passionate return on the court resulted from the emotional boost they had by witnessing their captain up close. TNT forced a winner-take-all Game 7 after rallying from a first-half deficit to win a spirited 87-83.

Rey Nambatac, who scored 23 points and made a remarkable 3-of-4 3-point field goal to lead TNT’s locals, attributed their comeback in large part to Castro’s prompt intervention. Nambatac remarked, “Sobrang dagdag na extra motivation sa amin yun,” “Even though wala siya doon sa past games namin, yung presence niya, naramdaman namin.”

He said that Castro’s counsel, especially to the team’s seasoned members, was crucial to their ability to perform well under duress. “Meron siyang mga piece of advice sa amin, especially sa mga veterans which is yun yung ini-apply namin sa game na ito,” said Nambatac.

Throughout Game 6, the Tropang Giga showed tenacity and resolve, exhibiting the moral fiber and attitude of perseverance Castro had ingrained in the team for years. Ginebra’s attempt to end the series early was dashed by the pivotal win, which gave TNT the advantage going into the pivotal Game 7.

Coach Reyes admitted that Castro’s appearance had an emotional and psychological impact. The team required belief more than strategies and tweaks, and Castro provided that intangible advantage. “Having Jayson there reminded the team of why they fight and who they represent,” Reyes said.

Castro, who is nearing the end of his remarkable career, has always been considered the team’s leader on and off the court. Over the years, his selfless play style, humility, and determination have come to define the TNT brand. He continues to influence the team’s character even when he is not playing.

The stakes are higher than ever as TNT now prepares for the crucial Game 7. The Tropang Giga are preparing for a final matchup against a resolute Ginebra team in hopes of winning another championship and maintaining their hopes of competing in the grand slam. But this time, with their most trusted commander at their side, they enter the conflict with confidence.

As two of the PBA’s most prestigious teams square off for the Commissioner’s Cup title, the Smart Araneta Coliseum is predicted to have an electrifying atmosphere. Castro’s steadfast dedication will act as a striking reminder of TNT’s enormous duty. For Ginebra, the goal will be to overcome hardship and take back the league’s top spot.