Talk ‘N Text has found a gem in Matt Ganuelas-Rosser

MANILA, Philippines – GlobalPort Batang Pier point guard Stanley Pringle has been the most impressive rookie so far in the 2014-2015 PBA Philippine Cup conference.

After a couple of double-digit performances, it’s clear that Pringle, who’s averaging 16.5 PPG and 7 RPG and has led the Batang Pier to a 1-1 record this conference, is one of the franchise’s cornerstones – along with Terrence Romeo – and looks like the early favorite to win the league Rookie of the Year award.

But next to the 2014 top overall pick, no rookie has impressed more than the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters’ Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, who recently put up 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his team’s victory over the NLEX Road Warriors last Friday, October 24.

It was the second straight impressive performance from Ganuelas-Rosser, who had 9 points and 5 rebounds in his PBA debut on Sunday, October 18, and is currently averaging 32.5 MPG through his first two pro games.

“I just, honestly, I feel confident no matter if I was playing… 30 minutes, two minutes,” he said after TNT’s win over NLEX. “The coaches, they just tell me, you know, go out there, attack the basket, and you know, try to help my team on defense.”

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 195 pounds with formidable ball handling ability, Ganuelas-Rosser is a terrific match for new Tropang Texters’ head coach Jong Uichico’s dribble-drive offense, which was the same system taught to the Talk ‘N Text rookie during his brief stint with Gilas Pilipinas under Coach Chot Reyes in 2012.

“It’s kinda the same as the national team with the dribble-drive, with me attacking the rim,” said Ganuelas-Rosser, a Filipino-American, who came to the Philippines in 2012 after playing four years of US NCAA Division II basketball with California State Polytechnic University. 

“So it wasn’t too big of an adjustment. I was kind of used to it, especially being with the national team for, you know, my first two years out here. Kinda knew what to expect.”

Ganuelas-Rosser played the point guard position in the NCAA, where he learned to be a better passer rather than just a pure scorer – though he has shown glimpses in the PBA D-League while playing for NLEX of doing the latter at a high level. 

But in the Texters’ win over the Road Warriors last Friday, his playmaking talent was in display just as much as his scoring as he used his combination of size and athleticism to set up good looks for some of his teammates.

“Honestly if I could, I would try to get a triple double every game. That’s just how I play. Try to do a little bit of everything, especially the rebounding and assists – that’s what I pride myself on. The points, they’ll come and go,” he said.

“Whatever the coaching staff wants from me, I’m a rookie, so I just have to be ready always.”

It also helps that Ganuelas-Rosser has the advantage of having two terrific point guard mentors in Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro to mentor him as he forays into the PBA. 

Also, Talk ‘N Text’s roster, which as a whole has seen its fair share of playoff battles in recent memory, boasts of noteworthy veterans like Ranidel De Ocampo, Jay Washington, and Kelly Williams, who can make their rookie teammate’s transition into the pros and overall development much quicker and effective.

“You know, I play the guard spot so Jimmy and Jayson, they’re really, you know, are on me, helping me pick my points of attack. Like when I should go, when I should look to pass.

“It helps me,” he added. “The biggest thing I’m was happy about being on this team is I can learn so much from all these guys who have so much experience, so I’m like a sponge. I’m trying to soak everything in.

“They’re all giving me confidence. Even though I’m a rookie, they help me out a lot.

“Honestly, every single person on the team, I feel, has my back.”

Ganuelas-Rosser was selected fourth overall in the 2014 PBA Draft by NLEX, who escalated from the D-League to the PBA by buying out the Air21 Express, but was later sent to TNT as part of a three-way trade involving GlobalPort. 

The 24-year-old rookie says he doesn’t have any ill feelings towards the team that traded him, citing the two years he spent with the franchise while they were still in the D-League as a time when he grew close with some in the coaching staff and team management.

“It’s cool, it’s cool. I love those guys over there. They were my family for two years when I first got here, especially the coaching staff and management,” he said.

But like most PBA athletes, a competitive drive and fire burns inside TNT’s talented rookie, making his team’s first victory in the conference much sweeter as it came at the expense of the franchise that let him go.

“It felt good and I think if I had to get a first win it’s nice to get one against them (NLEX),” said Ganuelas-Rosser.

“It feels good to get that out of the way, especially after coming off with a loss.” he also said about the Tropang Texters beating the Road Warriors. “We had a good week of practice and it showed on the court.

“We executed the game plan, and were able to just take care of business.”

On Tuesday, October 28, Talk ‘N Text will go for their second straight win against an Alaska Aces squad that destroyed defending champion Purefoods Star Hotshots in their season opener.

Regardless of what will be asked of him – whether it’s to take more shots, grab more rebounds, or find more open teammates – TNT’s high-potential rookie will be ready to contribute in any way to ensure a win.

“I’m just ready for two minutes, 30 minutes, whatever coach wants from me, I’m ready.” 

– Rappler.com