Troy Rosario fulfilled a childhood dream of playing for Ginebra, the most popular team in the PBA.
Not a few teams courted Troy Rosario when he was still a free agent before the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup unveiled.
The coveted forward from National University ended up signing with Ginebra — a childhood dream he had fulfilled.
While he discussed with the other squads which sought his services, Rosario later bared his "inner child" took over and prompted him to make the first move in approaching the Gin Kings management.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Team manager Jojo Lastimosa speaks on Troy Rosario declining offer for TNT return]
Troy Rosario battles for the rebound in Ginebra's match against Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup last Friday, Dec. 13. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
"Naging smooth naman. Siyempre, I had to give ano (consideration) din sa mga gustong makipag-usap sa'kin dati. Talagang kinausap ko sila para malaman ko kung anong mga plano nila sa'kin," said Rosario.
"Then, finally, parang 'yung inner child 'yung umano (nag-udyok) sa'kin na, 'Why not try Ginebra?' Kinausap ako ni Scottie (Thompson) na ‘Kausapin mo si boss Al (Chua),'" Rosario recalled.
[RELATED STORY: Troy Rosario fulfills childhood dream of playing for Ginebra, aims for championship next]
He did talk to Chua, Ginebra’s team governor. Next thing he knew, he was already signing his contract with the Gin Kings.
The decision came at the "last minute," according to Rosario, and was a quick one.
“Naglakas-loob na akong kausapin si Boss Al kasi siya na lang 'yung hindi nakikipag-usap na ano (team management), eh. [Sabi ko,] ‘Boss, kung interesado kayo sa'kin, baka puwede ako diyan sa Ginebra.’ Naging maayos naman 'yung usapan. Finally, nagkasundo,” said Rosario.
"Actually, last minute nga 'yun, eh. Para lang malaman ko kung anong plano nila. Noong tinawagan ko, 'yun na 'yun, sige. Noong sinabi niyang, ganito. [Sabi ko,] 'Sige, okey na.' Kasi 'yun 'yung gusto ko talaga. Gusto ko rin talagang mag-Ginebra."