An unsung hero steps up for Magnolia.
Defense is Rome dela Rosa’s calling card, and he routinely finds himself matched up against the best wing players of other teams—including even imports.
Dela Rosa, though, has evolved from just a defensive stopper to a more well-rounded player—one who can also do damage on offense, mostly by making open treys. But, on Thursday night against the Northport Batang Pier, dela Rosa showed he may be evolving into a more capable scorer as well, scoring 19 points to help the Magnolia Hotshots overcome the Batang Pier at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 32-year-old forward hit open treys, as usual, going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. But he also added a few inside incursions, including a dream shake to a jump hook off a post catch. In all, dela Rosa shot 7-for-10 from the field, added 6 rebounds, and played his usual strong defense, mostly on Batang Pier import Kevin Murphy.
And dela Rosa, apparently, is just taking advantage of the opportunities he is getting at Magnolia—the same opportunities role players like Aris Dionisio and Adrian Wong are also getting. But he is also sticking to his strengths.
“My role naman is to play defense and the offense will come naman. Equal opportunity naman with this team,” dela Rosa pointed out in the post-game press conference.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero couldn’t be happier for dela Rosa.
“When I got him sa trade, nakita naman namin talaga sa kanya na he’s a good defensive player, sa college pa lang,” Victolero said. “And we developed 'yung offensive skills ni Rome with the help of the coaches. Right now, he can shoot outside and he can go for that inside play. Marami siya nagagawa at natutulong sa amin, and we’re very happy.”
The Hotshots should be happy, indeed, as dela Rosa’s evolution into a more complete player only bodes well for their championship aspirations.