MANILA, Philippines – PBA legend and champion coach Ronnie Magsanoc made a bold prediction about National University standout Troy Rosario, saying that Rosario will make it big in the pros soon enough.
“Troy Rosario is going to be a legit PBA star in the future,” declared Magsanoc, who is among the 25 greatest players in PBA history and currently coaching Rosario in the D-League team Hapee Fresh Frighters. “He is just making a stopover here in the D-League to show what he has.”
Rosario had a successful final year with the Bulldogs, which ultimately became his breakout year as he averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds all season long. He registered a season high 19 points and 14 rebounds during their Game 2 win over Far Eastern University in the Finals.
He joined Hapee for the ongoing Aspirants Cup and has been a vital cog for the team, registering a couple of double-figure outings as they stay undefeated at 4-0.
Despite Magsanoc’s declaration, Rosario believes there is much work left to be done before he is ready to join the PBA.
“Thankful ako na nasasabi ni coach Ronnie yun pero I think para sa akin it’s a long process pa,” said the big man. “I need to work on many things sa laro ko.” (I’m thankful that coach Ronnie said that but I think it’s still a long process for me. I need to work on many things in my game.)
The 6-foot-7 late bloomer, who was also fetted as Season 77’s Most Improved Player, shared he is using the D-League as a tool for him to improve aspects of his game and widen his experience before he joins the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.
“May isa pang conference ng D-League after nito so gagamitin ko yung experience ko dito para sa higher (play),” he said. (The D-League still has one more conference so I’ll use my experience here to get ready for higher play.)
Among the things he wants to work on is his decision-making in pressure-packed situations as well as adjusting to the PBA’s notorious physicality.
“Minsan kasi nara-rattle ako eh tsaka hindi ko alam kung ano gagawin ko. Wala pa yung mentality and decision-making pag crucial games,” he explained.
“Hindi pa ako masyadong sanay sa physicality kasi hindi kasi ganoon ka-physical sa UAAP. Ibang-iba yung D-League so medyo naninibago pa ako.”
(Sometimes I still get rattled and I don’t know what to do yet. I still don’t have that mentality and decision-making when it comes to crucial games. I’m not yet used to physicality because it’s not as physical in the UAAP. It’s very different in the D-League so I’m still adjusting.)
The D-League serves as a testing ground for him to have a feel of what it is like to play against less forgiving opponents.
“Sobrang helpful (ng D-League) para sa higher level ng paglalaro,” he added. (The D-League is very helpful in preparing for higher level of play.) – Rappler.com
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