Draft prospect Troy Rosario relishes chance to play with PBA vets in Gilas training

Top draft prospect Troy Rosario is thanking his lucky stars for giving him a taste of playing alongside PBA veterans as a member of the Gilas Pilipinas training pool.

 

Rosario is the youngest and only non-professional player in the national pool formed by coach Tab Baldwin, and Rosario could not be more grateful for the chance to test himself before PBA draft day on Aug. 23.

 

"Sobrang laking opportunity 'to para sa akin, parang dito ako mag-i-improve," said the former National University stalwart. "Malaking learning experience para maitaas ko pa 'yung level ng laro."

 

Rosario was not originally part of the 16-man pool released by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, but he was invited to attend the practices as an official member after his stint in the FIBA 3X3 Manila Masters.

 

After a week of practicing with veterans like fellow bigs Asi Taulava and Sonny Thoss, the incoming rookie was enjoying the pointers he received from his seniors.

 

"Hindi naman sila mahirap pakisamahan," he said. "Marami silang mga tips na binibigay sa akin lalo na pag-akyat ko sa PBA."

 

With the arrival of Moala Tautuaa on Thursday as the backup for naturalized center Andray Blatche, Rosario now has a fellow amateur to accompany him among the veteran-laden pool.

 

"Masaya ako na may kasama na ako ngayon na galing sa lower level. At least di na ako parang mai-intimidate kasi may kasama na akong parang rookie," he said of the PBA D-League Most Valuable Player.

 

Rosario and Tautuaa are actually the consensus top two picks in the rookie draft, but the ex-Bulldog said they do not consider each other as rivals in the Gilas training camp.

 

"Wala naman, hindi naman 'to dahil dun sa draft e. Para 'to sa bansa e. Lahat naman dito gustong ipaglaban 'yung spot nila dun sa 12," Rosario said.

 

The sweet-shooting big man added that he is not thinking about his draft selection at all.

 

"Hindi ko iniisip 'yung mag-number one, mag-number two. Basta sa 'kin, antayin ko na lang 'yung draft. Kung ano 'yung team na makakapili sa akin, susuklian ko na lang 'yung tiwala nila." —JST, GMA News