Ginebra forward Troy Rosario is over the moon after rejoining the Gilas Pilipinas program for the first time since 2022.
When asked to join the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Troy Rosario knew exactly what to say.
“Nung tinanong ako, syempre sumagot ako agad ng oo,” Rosario said, referring to his conversation with Gilas program director and manager Alfrancis Chua.
Rosario’s inclusion came days after Kai Sotto and Kevin Quiambao went down with injuries in the Japan B.LEAGUE and Korean Basketball league, respectively.
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The 32-year-old cager simply could not pass up on this opportunity to represent millions of Filipinos again overseas.
“Syempre para sa bayan. Yun lagi ko iniisip pag pinapatawag ako sa national team. Huwag kang hihindi pag para sa bayan,” he said.
However, Rosario's call-up doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a spot with Gilas Pilipinas.
“I’m willing to play again, kung makipaglaban man dun sa 12th spot,” Rosario said.
“Kasi yun sinabi sakin. Hindi naman ako ginuarantee ng spot sa final 12. Sabi ko kay Boss Al kahit practice player,” he added.
Rosario admitted he was surprised with the call to bring him back to Gilas again, but it only made sense since he is playing for Gilas coach Tim Cone at Ginebra.
“Siguro may nakita si coach Tim sakin at mga coaches na pwede [magamit] dun sa sistema ng Gilas,” he said.
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Now back in play for the rejuvenated, albeit short-handed Gilas, the former UAAP champion with National University also sees this as an opportunity for redemption.
After all, the last time he donned a Gilas jersey, the team ended up as bridesmaids in the 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.
“Syempre every time na matatalo ka, gusto mo makabawi,” he said.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad, One Sports Digital)