Resident Gilas Pilipinas player Troy Rosario vowed to make the most of another opportunity to don the national colors after the melee in the Philippine Arena last July.
For the TNT stalwart, this is a chance to prove his worth anew under head coach Yeng Guiao’s national team.
Last July during the third window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Rosario was involved in the full-blown scuffle with Australia, resulting in a three-game suspension from any international play of the world basketball governing body.
His ban is about to end on November 30 when Gilas takes on Kazakhstan, making him available for the Iran match on December 3.
Rosario said he has long buried that forgettable past, as the only thing that matters to him now is this second chance given to him by Guiao.
“Wala na yun, tapos na yun,” said Rosario, who is averaging 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in four games of the Qualifiers.
“Panibagong window na, panibagong opportunity sa amin.”
The former National University standout also admitted to being shocked upon learning of his inclusion, especially as their last stint was marred by a skirmish.
“Well, nagulat din ako. After nung incident na yun, talagng slim na yung chance na makablik ako dahil doon nga suspension,” Rosario confessed.
“Pero nung nakita ko na nakasama pa rin ako, thankful pa rin ako na mai-represent pa rin yung bansa.”
Armed with that experience and the new mindset, Rosario vowed to display even more discipline to prove that he is deserving of another Gilas Pilipinas call-up.
“Another opportunity ito na mag-improve kasi iba na ito eh, national team na ito. Mas disiplina, disiplina na ngayon,” he added.
“Hindi na ito gaya ng PBA, college. Kumbaga, bansa na yung ipinaglalaban mo.”
Rosario also promised to pour his all into his efforts, as he is set to compete for a spot in a crowded frontcourt for Gilas Pilipinas led by four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajado, Greg Slaughter, Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, JP Erram, Beau Belga, Ian Sangalang, Arwind Santos, and Kai Sotto.
“Well, mahirap-hirap kasi marami-rami yung makakalaban sa spot,” he admitted.
“Pero kahit sino naman makapasok doon (sa Final 12), susuportahan natin.”
