Rising guard EJ Castillo isn't going anywhere, officially committing to Emilio Aguinaldo College when he begins his collegiate journey come NCAA Season 101.
The 19-year-old high school standout confirmed that he's staying put and loyal to the same school that gave him his basketball break.
"Ngayon blessed ako kasi makakabalik ako sa FilOil (EcoOil Centre). ‘Yung vibe dito alam ko na simula high school kaya hanggang sa college magiging comfortable na ako," Castillo told GMA News Online.
[I'm blessed now because I can come back to FilOil. I know the vibe here since high school so until college, I'll be comfortable.]
Castillo is a two-time Mythical Five member in high school, getting the inclusion in Season 99 where he emerged as the top scorer for the Brigadiers with averages of 22.6 points, 7.33 rebounds, 1.67 assists, 1.33 steals, and 0.11 blocks. He was also named Most Improved Player that very same year.
He then rose again for the Brigadiers in Season 100 after posting 18.89 markers, 5.11 boards, 3.44 dimes, 1.67 steals, and 0.11 blocks as they narrowly missed the Final Four.
But while he's a top option in the high school squad, the 6-foot-1 Castillo bared he's ready to learn from his seniors which includes players like Kyle Ochavo, Aldeo Lucero, Wilmmar Oftana, and Nico Quinal.
"Siguro gagawin ko lang talaga ‘yung role ko kasi rookie ako, wala pa naman akong dapat patunayan," the explosive shooting guard said.
"Kailangan ko lang makinig sa mga coaches at sa mga kuya ko. Sa system naman familiar na rin naman ako so magfo-focus ako sa role ko lang."
[I guess I will just play my role because I'll be a rookie. I don't have anything to prove yet... I just need to listen to my coaches and my older brothers. I'm familiar with the system so I can just focus on my role.]
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
