July 1, 2016
Countdown to Manila OQT: 4 days
Troy Rosario says his inclusion to the Gilas Pilipinas’ final 12 for the upcoming 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, Philippines next week is a “dream come true” and he is excited to represent the country on a bigger stage.
Not expecting to be part of the final line-up, the 24-year-old forward said on Thursday night during Gilas’ practice session that he wants to repay his team’s trust.
“Gusto kong mabigay yung trust pabalik sa coaches, sa management,” Rosario said, adding the squad’s European training camp was filled with difficult challenges.
“Dream come true. Hindi ko ine-expect na mapasama sa 12 na yun pero yun nga, napasama. Hindi naging madali ang journey namin doon. May naging ups and downs kami sa training camp. May mga good days kami, bad days. Sa tingin ko, challenge talaga sa amin yun,” he said.
Rosario has represented the national team in the past, being part of many cadet squads, including the training pool of Gilas 3.0.
But given an opportunity to go up against top level international competition, Rosario said it is now up to him to handle the pressure and be ready even if he is one of the younger members.
“Siyempre kahit ako yung bago sa final 12, malaki pa rin yung role ko. Hindi natin masasabi, baka ma-foul trouble yung ibang bigs. Puwede akong mag play down as a (forward) and as a wing,” Rosario said.
“Andiyan naman lagi yung pressure. Nasa sa akin na kung papaano iha-handle. Malaking bagay si Calvin (Abueva) sa Gilas. Pero kaya ko rin naman maglaro.”
“More on excitement (na ang nararamdaman ko). First time ko maglaro sa men’s (senior). Excited ako makapasok at makapaglaro against bigger teams, bigger players,” he added.
Rosario also opened up on being one of the trending topics on social media when the final 12 was announced on Sunday. He said he and Ryan Reyes were both surprised about making the final cut.
The former NU Bulldog even shared that he has been in communication with both Calvin Abueva and LA Tenorio as both were still supportive despite being left out.
“Oo, nabigla ako noon. Pati si Ryan (Reyes). Hindi namin inexpect na nagtrend kami. Hindi namin inexpect na ganoon ang resulta ng pilian. Parang nagtrending kami pero hindi maganda ang reaction,” Rosario shared.
“Pero masaya kami kahit na yung dalawa natanggal. Proud pa rin sila sa amin. Kausap ko si Calvin at si Kuya LA (Tenorio). Parang sinabi lang na, time mo na. Yun ang sinabi sa akin.”
Rosario ended by asking Gilas fans to respect the team’s decision and continue trusting them.
“Yung coaches, sinasabi rin sa amin, lahat kami sa 14, deserving kahit sino mapili. Lalaban at lalaban. Sana i-respect natin yung mga pinili ng coaches,” he said.
