Dela Rosa hopes to make mark with Star Hotshots

Rome Dela Rosa in a Star jersey. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Debuting for Star in a highly emotional game against Rain or Shine, Rome dela Rosa tried to not get too caught up with the drama and focused on the start of this new stint.

And on Sunday, the former San Beda stud delivered, providing quality minutes for the Hotshots with five points on a 2-of-5 shooting in their 99-91 victory.

Knowing the situation of both teams coming to the game, dela Rosa said that Star’s approach was plain and simple: win the game.

“It was a must win for us,” he said, as the team now tied with five other squads with a 3-2 slate. “And also, knowing the Paul Lee – James Yap trade, we wanted to come out victorious as a team and we’re
happy that we won.”

Traded to Star two weeks back, dela Rosa said that he’s slowly adjusting to the team after five practices and being limited to a mere spectator on the team’s 44-point beating of Phoenix, 123-79 two Saturdays ago.

“I’m slowly getting the feel of my teammates and the system of coach Chito (Victolero),” he said, as he sees himself blending easily with his new squad. “Coach Chito is a defensive coach, so I’m going to come in and play defense, and when the offense comes, I’ll just be able to contribute to the team.”

And dela Rosa said that he’s already moved on from the trade that sent him from the team that drafted him in 2014, saying it was any other business decision professional basketball players have to deal with.

“I was really excited for the game. I mean, what else can you do? It’s part of being a professional basketball player, to move on and take this as a new opportunity,” he said.

“I just wanted to come in and help the team, and hopefully, make my mark here in Purefoods.”