Rosario looks to improve more in 2nd PBA year

Troy Rosario. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

For TNT to return to the championship picture, it must draw significant contributions from its supporting cast.

And this coming season, all eyes will be on Troy Rosario.

The runner-up to the Rookie of the Year plum, the former National University Bulldog is counted on to provide a boost for the KaTropa after a promising rookie season.

“Dapat mas productive pa siya ngayong sophomore year. Kailangan mas maramdaman na sila ngayon sa games,” said veteran forward Ranidel de Ocampo.

“Every year, dapat nagi-improve sya sa laro nya tulad ng kay Jayson (Castro).”

Averaging 11.8 points and 5.3 rebounds this past year, Rosario has proven that he can be a vital piece for TNT’s future.

But the coaching staff doesn’t want the second overall pick in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft to feel content.

“Alam na nya kung ano ang mga kulang nya,” noted assistant coach Bong Ravena. “Advantage ni Troy na he’s athletic and he’s quick. What he needs to work on is yung maturity lang. He should see the game in ways na ma-maximize nya yung talents niya.”

For his part, Rosario is hopeful that the recent coaching change in TNT wouldn’t stunt his development as he expressed confidence with the team moving forward with incoming coach Nash Racela.

“Tingin ko di na rin naman kami mahihirapan kasi sobrang tagal na rin ni coach Nash sa TNT. Pamilyar na rin naman kami kung paano sya magpatakbo,” Rosario said.

De Ocampo, meanwhile, has his full trust that Rosario can continue making a leap this upcoming season.

“Mangyayari naman yun kasi masipag naman sya mag-extra work before and after practice,” he said.