Maybe it was the mask
Wearing a black plastic mask to protect his nose, Troy Rosario played like a man on a mission on Sunday night, when his TNT KaTropa faced reigning, four-time Philippine Cup champions — and corporate rivals — San Miguel Beermen.
The sweet-shooting 6-foot-7 forward was totally impressive in his season debut, producing 22 points spiked by six triples along with five rebounds, an assist and a steal to help the Texters walk away with the huge upset, 104-93.
“Mukhang suwerte nga,” said Rosario of his mask. “First time kong makabalik sa conference.
“Mabuti, yun nga, tumama at nakatulong ako sa team.”
Rosario’s return proved to be fast, considering that he projected his return to basketball at around February when he was asked about it during the league’s opener last January 13, where TNT lost to Barangay Ginebra.
For the four-year pro, he decided to come back this early to be of help for his team, who went 0-2 to start the conference at the expense of the Gin Kings and the Phoenix Fuel Masters, where they lost in overtime last January 19.
“Parang na-pressure na rin ako. Yung injury ko naman … Wala namang dahilan para di ako makalaro. Nakakatakbo naman ako, nakaka-shooting naman ako kaya pang nagdecide na rin ako na sabihin sa mga coaches na pwede.
“May clearance naman na ng doctor kaya minadali na rin yung pagbalik,” he said.
With his impressive showing, it is now safe to say that the 27-year-old Rosario is all set to work with Gilas Pilipinas for the sixth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers set in February versus Qatar and Kazakhstan.
“Oo naman. Makakahabol naman. Yun din isa kong iniisip nung nainjured ako kasi February yung window. Kaya rin minadali ko yung pagbalik. Baka sakaling yun nga, malay natin makapag-laro. Ngayon, nakapaglaro na,” he said.
“Kaya sa tingin ko magiging ready naman ako if ever mapili ako.”
