Troy Rosario lamented that he felt disappointed with himself following his trade by TNT to Blackwater, in one of the biggest player movements to take place in the ongoing PBA season.
Though the deal no longer came as a surprise to him, the 30-year-old forward could not help but feel as much. After all, in his own perspective, it was a reflection of how he has failed himself.
“Na-disappoint ako sa sarili ko. Kasi parang ‘yung pagkaka-trade sa’kin, ang dating sa’kin, parang na-fail ko ‘yung sarili ko. Failure para sa’kin,” offered the seven-year veteran.
Rosario was part of a three-way trade that also involved NLEX. It saw potential Road Warriors cornerstone Calvin Oftana eventually land in the Tropang Giga, which drew mixed reactions from netizens online.
It wasn’t the first time that the NU great was traded. He was picked second overall by Mahindra (now Columbian) in the loaded 2015 Rookie Draft, but was traded to the flagship MVP Group franchise mere days later.
So, being sent to another team is not new to him. And, he already had an inkling of the particular deal that shipped him to the Dioceldo Sy-owned ball club, since he had heard about it before it became known by the public.
“‘Di na rin bago sa’kin kasi ever since naman, naramdaman ko na ‘yung malagay sa trading block,” he said.
“Ayun, nangyari na. Before the trade, before Finals, narinig ko na,” he added, referring to the 2022 Philippine Cup Finals that saw TNT bow to San Miguel. “May mga rumors na narinig ko na ako ‘yung ite-trade, kaya ‘di na bago sa’kin.”
Still, Rosario knows that it’s all part of the business. Now, he simply has to act professional as he writes a new chapter of his career with a team raring to build itself as a contender.
“Ako, professional. Kailangan kong mag-adjust nang mabilis. Wala yun sa culture na laging nasa playoffs yung TNT, tapos yung Blackwater, wala,” said the Gilas Pilipinas stalwart.
“Mindset ko lang lagi rito ay basta mag-step ako sa floor, practice man yan o game, ibibigay ko yung best ko.”
Rosario wasn’t able to suit up for the Bossing in Wednesday’s 2022 Commissioner’s Cup opener at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. He was, however, in uniform, and watched his new team on the bench.
Unfortunately, the one-time PBA champ did not receive the welcome he had hoped for. His side absorbed a 133-87 loss at the hands of Myles Powell and guest team Bay Area in one of the most lopsided results in league history.
Rosario explained his situation, saying that he’s still in the process of recovery while attending to family matters, particularly to his newborn.
“Before nung trade, 19 talaga ang balik namin sa TNT na practice. After nung Finals, wala talaga akong ginawa kung hindi mag-focus sa baby ko kasi hindi madali yung week simula nung pagka-panganak niya hanggang sa mag-Finals, hanggang sa matapos yung Finals.
“Nakiusap naman ako sa management ng Blackwater na baka pwedeng ituloy ko hanggang 19 yung pahinga kasi ‘yung katawan ko, ramdam ko na rin yung pagod. Pinayagan naman ako. Sabi ko anytime na ready ako, maglalaro ako,” he said.
Now, he hopes to be in shape in time for their next assignment against Phoenix Super LPG on Saturday
“Hopefully, kundisyon ako next game. First time kong nag-practice nung Monday; kahapon nagpaalam pa ako kasi check-up ng baby ko, importanteng checkup,” he said.
“‘Di rin ako naka-practice, ‘di rin ako ready. Alam nila.”
—
The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
