Big thanks to Coach Ranidel De Ocampo, Troy Rosario did not have a premature exit in TNT’s match versus Terra Firma, Tuesday night.
Fortunately, the Tropang Giga escaped with a 100-95 win.
But against the Dyip, Rosario did not let that happen again, and he more than made up for it through an impressive performance.
He produced 20 points and 15 rebounds as he helped his side to a masterful 112-101 win to seize early leadership in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.
“Nung last game namin na na-foul out ako, may mga tips siya na sinabi sa’kin, na nagamit ko last night,” said Rosario.
Having the multi-decorated cager again by his side is something that Rosario is immensely grateful for, since he looks up to De Ocampo as a mentor.
The 28-year-old still remembers how his Kuya Del continued to guide him — even if they got apart back in 2017.
It could be remembered that De Ocampo got traded to Meralco that ended his stint with the franchise he steered to six championships.
But three years later, shortly after announcing his retirement, the 38-year-old reunited with TNT, where he is overseeing the development of its bigs.
“Mula nung rookie ako siya na talaga ‘yung isa sa mga taong nag-aadvise sa’kin. Kahit nung nasa Meralco pa siya, ‘pag may games kami, tinetext ako niyan ni Kuya Del,” Rosario said.
“Ngayon na bumalik siya, may mga talagang tinuturo siya sa’kin hindi lang physically pati mentally,” he added.
“Sobrang laking tulong.”
