MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Jayson Castro knows he is in the twilight of his international career, so he is all about being a good example to the younger generation.

That was not always the case, of course. Once upon a time, it was Castro taking pointers from the Philippines' veterans like Jimmy Alapag and Marc Pingris. Castro debuted at the FIBA Asia senior level for the Philippines national team back in 2013, setting the FIBA Asia Cup 2013 on fire with his dizzying speed and ability to finish around the basket. Right now, just like then, Castro tries to contribute in any way he can, though it's noticeable how his quickness has faded ever so slightly.

"I JUST WANT TO BE A GOOD EXAMPLE, ESPECIALLY TO THE YOUNG GUYS" - JAYSON CASTRO

"Every time I step on the court, I give my best," he said. "I just try to play within the system and be aggressive."

Five years after his debut, Castro is now one of the elder statesmen on the Gilas Pilipinas squad, which is composed mostly of rising stars in their early-to-mid 20s ready to inherit the mantle of leadership from Castro and his fellow contemporaries Gabe Norwood and Japeth Aguilar. Seeing this reality, Castro has embraced his role as a mentor to his younger teammates, helping them navigate and adjust to the demanding landscape of international hoops.

"I just want to be a good example, especially to the young guys," he shared. "Knowing coach Chot, if you're a veteran, you really need to be a good model for the other guys. I'm just doing my job as one of the veterans."

Despite his age and the change in role, though, Castro remains one of the Philippines' go-to-guys, especially when things get tight in the endgame. The 31-year-old actually displayed his steely resolve in their last second window fixture against Japan, sinking the shot that sealed the Philippines' third victory in four games. That result paved the way for the Filipinos to officially earn a spot in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

"In the next round, we'll take on better teams like Iran, so hopefully, we will do even better."

As the Philippines progresses through the remaining rounds of the Qualifiers and make their final push for a berth in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, Castro is aware that his role both as mentor and clutch player will be more crucial than ever. He knows that his contribution on the court will be essential to the Philippines' success, and that his guidance of up-and-comers like Kiefer Ravena and Jio Jalalon will bear the foundation of a bright future in Philippine basketball.

"It's good for the program to have so many young guys," he said. "When I came in, I was already 25, so these guys entering at a younger age is going to be very good for them and for the team."

FIBA