Reyes on Castro, Jalalon, and Rosario: "They have what we need to compete with Japan"

For Chot Reyes, Jayson Castro is a vital weapon for Gilas against Japan. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--They may have suffered from recent injuries, but Jayson Castro, Jio Jalalon, and Troy Rosario were quickly called up by Coach Chot Reyes for Gilas' Sunday night clash with Japan.

[Related Story: Castro, Jalalon, Rosario reactivated for Gilas game vs Japan]

"It's a coaches' decision. We feel that they have what we need to compete with Japan," Reyes explained to the media the activation of the said players right after the team's practice at the Mall of Asia Arena on the eve of matchday.

Castro, Jalalon, and Rosario were dearly missed on Thursday as Gilas lost steam in the end at Australia.

[Related Story: Gallant Gilas falls to Australia]

Japan, which lost at home to Chinese Taipei, 69-70, also on Thursday night, will parade a lineup radically different from its first meeting with Gilas, prompting Reyes' staff to make the said tweaks to Gilas' roster, taking in Castro, Jalalon, and Rosario for Carl Cruz, Kevin Alas, and Abu Tratter.

"We need to [adjust], because they have a new lineup," Reyes continued. "They got new players [like Naoto] Tsuji and a couple more. That's why the lineup is what it is."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno