Troy Rosario was clad in his full basketball attire, doing shootarounds moments prior to Gilas Pilipinas’ practice session, Tuesday evening.
It was expected and understood that Rosario will be excused from practice, as he is still recovering from the in-game accident he suffered last February 7. But, just like on Sunday when he watched the TNT Katropa-Barangay Ginebra San Miguel match, the 26-year-old appeared fine.
“Okay na,” said the 6-foot-7 forward from the Katropa after the workouts. “Ano na lang, advice lang ng neuro[logist] na light practice lang muna for three days tapos pakiramdaman lang muna.
“Alam naman nila [Gilas] yung sitwasyon so practice lang muna ako, shooting lang,” he added.
“Di pa ako yung mga [scrimmage] kasi anytime na mahilo ako talagang delikado daw eh.”
Rosario didn’t take part in Gilas’ drills so as to not aggravate the minor injuries he had incurred. The three-year pro admitted that he still has difficulties moving his jaw and his wrist, which was wrapped with tape.
“Ngayon wala na talaga [hilo].
“Yung ano ko na lang, yung jaw na lang, nahihirapan ako ibukas eh tsaka yung wrist ko, ito yung pumalo talaga eh [sa sahig] kaya hirap ako tumira,” he shared.
Given his condition, Rosario’s inclusion in the second window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers has become doubtful, and even coach Chot Reyes has kept his hopes low that Rosario will be cleared in time.
“We’re not keeping our hopes up high for him to be able to join the team,” said the outspoken mentor.
Despite that, Rosario’s commitment to the national team stays the same, as he vows that he will still attend practices every day.
“Araw-araw ako pupunta ng practice,” said the National University alumnus.
“Bukas may game kami [TNT versus GlobalPort] pero 7 [PM] pa naman yun eh, so baka pumunta muna ako dito tapos habol ako sa game para manood.”
