Mark Nonoy had the chance to face his childhood hero in Jayson Castro for the first time in his young PBA career and he made sure to leave a lasting impression.

The athletic guard, whose speed drew comparisons to a young Castro, exploded for 33 points to steer Terrafirma to a stunning 117-108 victory over TNT – a victory that not only saved some measure of pride for the Dyip but also avoided another winless conference for the franchise.

And after shooting 7-of-9 from the deep along with his dazzling speed that threaded TNT’s defense, all eyes were on Nonoy all throughout the game.

But Nonoy's eyes were only set on the man he had long looked up to, wanting to make sure that he performs well and give him a challenge.

“Siguro na-inspire ako kay Jayson Castro kasi first time namin naglaban. Kumbaga, since childhood ko, napapanood ko na siya since grade school ako,” said the 24-year-old Nonoy who relished every single moment of his matchup with his idol.

“Kumbaga, isa siya sa PBA player na na-inspire ko ‘yung sarili ko dahil sa kanya. Kanina, naging confident ako kasi gusto ko ma-challenge kasi idol ko ‘yun. Sobrang thankful ako kasi na-overcome ko, nakapaglaro naman ako ng maayos,” he added

Nonoy shared he had a chance to talk to Castro in the game and even advised him to be wise in using his speed – an asset that had become the TNT guard’s signature in his 17-year career in the PBA and Gilas Pilipinas, even earning him the moniker of ‘the Blur’.

“Ang sabi niya, decision making and control your speed,” recalled Nonoy.

And it was an advice Nonoy took to heart as his performance surely left a lasting mark for Castro who had his 700th game in the league got spoiled by the Terrafirma rookie.

For Nonoy, holding his own against his childhood idol, might have meant that he belongs to this league

“Tinrabaho ko ‘to eh. Isa ‘to sa pangarap ko. Nung nakatungtong na ako, kailangan ko mag-build ng sariling pangalan, kung ano makakatulong sa team namin,” said Nonoy.

“So siguro, I belong in this league.”