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Troy Rosario realizes a 'childhood dream' as he debuts for Barangay Ginebra, helping the Gin Kings open their PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign on the right foot

MANILA, Philippines – Although Troy Rosario fielded offers from other teams, he knew at the back of his mind that he wants to play for Barangay Ginebra.

So when the opportunity presented itself, Rosario jumped at it.

Rosario realized a “childhood dream” when he debuted for the Gin Kings, helping the crowd darlings open their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on the right foot by way of a 109-100 win over NLEX on Wednesday, December 12.

The 6-foot-7 forward finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in his first game for Ginebra, which addressed its frontline concerns with Rosario’s addition.

“It has been a childhood dream to wear that jersey. It feels really good. When I reached the venue, I immediately searched for my jersey. Finally, I got to wear it,” said Rosario in a mix of Filipino and English.

Rosario became an unrestricted free agent after opting to part ways with Blackwater at the end of the season-opening Governors’ Cup, ending a two-year stint with the team.

He attracted interest from TNT and Converge, but held off on their offers when Gin Kings star Scottie Thompson — Rosario’s former Gilas Pilipinas and PBA D-League teammate — told him to put himself forward to Ginebra.

Giving in to his “inner child,” Rosario got in touch with Gin Kings team governor Alfrancis Chua.

“Scottie told me, ‘Talk to boss.’ I mustered the courage to talk to boss Al,” said Rosario. “I told him, ‘Boss, if you’re interested in me, I can fit there at Ginebra.’ We had a good talk and we agreed to a deal.”

By joining the Gin Kings, Rosario gives himself a chance to add to his championship tally after winning his first and only title with the Tropang Giga in the 2021 Philippine Cup.

Ginebra, after all, is coming off a runner-up finish in the Governors’ Cup and has won seven championships since 2016.

“I’m not getting any younger so the goal to win championships before my career ends is my No. 1 priority,” said Rosario. “I want to be in the playoffs, because once you’re in the playoffs, you have a chance.”

While Rosario admits he is still knowing his way around the system of head coach Tim Cone, it helps that he has familiar faces to assist him, including other former Gilas Pilipinas teammates LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar.

“It is a bit complicated, but at least, they’re guiding me in practice,” said Rosario. – Rappler.com