While Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao is hoping for the best for TNT veteran Jayson Castro who was already ruled out with a season-ending injury, the multi-titled coach admitted that his absence gave the Elasto Painters the opening they needed to finally get on the board in their semifinals series.

Guiao said the veteran guard was the stabilizing presence for TNT and the huge reason why it managed to survive two close games at the start of the series.

“Stabilizer nila si Jayson e. I think (when) he is playing, his minutes are also being managed, it’s around 20-plus minutes. Pero quality ‘yung nilalaro niyang mga minutes,” said Guiao who was asked about the difference of facing a TNT team without Castro.

“It’s really the time when he’s on court that he is able to make his teammates around him better,” he added.

Castro’s absence was surely felt on the part of TNT as no one in the team can control the game in crucial moments.

As a result, the Tropang Giga struggled to find answers to a late rally from Rain or Shine in the final frame – something that they managed to fend off through the first two games with Castro on board.

Rain or Shine cut the series deficit 1-2 after a 103-98 decision in Game 3.

“It’s always been a problem on defense because he can assist, he can shoot the three, he can drive to the basket. So malaking bagay talaga,” Guiao said of Castro who averaged 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists before going down with the right knee injury in Game 2.

Guiao said his team has great respect for Castro, even encouraging his young guards to watch him play and try to emulate him, but also stressed that his players must take advantage of his absence right now to even the series.

“Model namin si Jayson. Sinasabi ko, 'Tignan niyo maglaro ‘yun. Marami kayong matututunan diyan,” said Guiao.

“Pero malaking bagay pa rin. It’s still a big break for us that they’re not able to utilize him. But of course, you don’t wish that on anybody. Sabi ko nga, ito ang panahon na nagbe-break down na ang mga players,” he added.