Troy Rosario wrote the exclamation point for Ginebra’s return to power in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as his two-handed slam finished off TNT in Game Seven of another tightly-contested Finals battle between the long-time adversaries.
The majority of the 24,617 fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena erupted in jubilation upon witnessing their Kings become champions again. And the jam was a perfect ending to a wait that lasted for three years.
It was also as satisfying for the veteran big man, who finally captured a league title with the franchise he dreamt of playing for when he was younger.
“Hindi pa ‘ko magre-retire, pero ngayon pa lang kumpleto na career ko sa pro,” he told Tiebreaker Times moments after their 88-76 comeback victory.
Rosario signed with the Barangay as an unrestricted free agent back in November of 2024 to win another championship, which, for many, wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’
In his maiden conference, he immediately made his way back to the Big Dance after the Kings reached the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, making him all the more excited with the prospect of tasting glory once again.
(C) PBA Images
But standing in the way was his former team, Tropang 5G, which at the time was spearheaded by import extraordinaire Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Squaring up against the same franchise where he won his first-ever crown was another layer to the storied rivalry, but the odds weren’t in his and his new team’s favor. They got outlasted in the best-of-seven battle that went to the limit.
Worse, Rosario wasn’t able to contribute that much in the title bout’s last two games after the ankle injury he suffered during the playoffs didn’t heal in time.
Fast forward to Wednesday night, and the former No. 2 overall pick finally found himself atoning for that heartbreak by helping Ginebra snatch the crown away from the Tropa. His consistent performances throughout the series were a major factor.
In Game Seven alone, he finished with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including a three-pointer, alongside seven rebounds and an assist.
“Sweet kasi alam ko na hindi ako nakapag-perform sa last Commissioner’s Cup dahil sa injury. I’m happy na ngayon healthy, and nagawa ko ‘yung role ko. And finally, nakuha ‘yung championship na healthy rin,” he said.
He was so solid in this recent Finals that he became a candidate for the PBA Press Corps Finals MVP award, which ultimately went to Scottie Thompson.
Regardless, the National University legend feels glad to have snared only his second league title, which serves as another major highlight in his career.
“I won championships sa college, sa D-League, at sa SEA Games. Tapos ngayon, pangalawa na sa PBA,” reflected the 34-year-old Rosario.
“I’m happy na nagawa ko ‘to habang malakas pa. And I hope makaisa pa.”
