Troy Rosario and Poy Erram could only congratulate one another after their teams set up a rematch to battle it out for PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup supremacy by dispatching their foes in the semis on Sunday in Antipolo.
Barangay Ginebra and TNT have arranged a title showdown for the fourth time in the last eight conferences, but it’s different this time for the former Gilas Pilipinas pillar as he won’t be competing against one of his closest pals.
The Tropang 5G center-forward is still under rehabilitation due to his injured knee, and it remains unclear when he’ll get clearance to return.
“Nag-usap nga kami kagabi, eh. Cinongrats ako pagkatapos ng game namin. Sabi ko, ‘Sana kayo rin yung sunod’ at sayang din ‘yung bonus,” the 34-year-old told Tiebreaker Times after the pre-Finals presser Monday at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
“So nung nanalo sila, nag-congrats din ako. Siyempre, I’m sad na hindi ko siya makakatapat ngayong Finals series na ‘to. Pero hopefully, makabalik siya and hopefully makatapat ulit sa future.”
The Finals could have added another layer to a storied rivalry between the two decorated franchises. But Rosario’s focus isn’t just on his friend, but also on a childhood dream of his.
(C) PBA Images
Winning a championship with Ginebra, to be precise, especially after he saw his first crack foiled last season by Erram and TNT in seven.
“I hope and pray na maging iba naman yung kalalabasan,” he said. “Talo noong nakaraang Commissioner’s Cup. I hope makuha na ngayon. Kung makuha namin ‘to, isa ito sa mga pinakamagandang mangyayari sa career ko sa PBA.
“‘Yung kukumpleto siguro,” added the NU legend, who signed with the franchise back in November of 2024.
“Kasi growing up, dream kong makapaglaro sa Ginebra and now may chance na manalo ng championship para sa Ginebra.”
But Rosario is aware, too, that wanting it won’t be enough. He will have to be on top of his game — and health — as well to help make that dream work.
The former second overall pick suffered an ankle sprain during the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs. He didn’t heal up in time, and it affected his overall play come the Finals, where they eventually lost.
“Any player na umabot sa Finals, banged up. Hindi lang maganda ‘yung nakaraan kasi injury talaga. OK lang sana ‘yung mga aches and pains, pero wala talaga akong magawa kasi magang-maga ‘yung paa ko,” said Rosario.
“Ngayon, kahit banged up ako, hindi ko iisipin ‘yun kasi championship ang at stake eh. Kung malaro ko ‘yung laro ko ngayong Finals, I think magiging maganda ‘yung chance na makatulong sa pagkuha ng championship.”
