Masked Troy Rosario returns for TNT, hopes to rejoin Gilas

Troy Rosario. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines’ injury problems before the next window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers are slowly starting to fix itself.

Yang Guiao’s initial 14-man pool had TNT’s Troy Rosario and Rain or Shine’s Raymond Almazan despite the two nursing injuries when the lineup was announced in mid January.

That problem, however, has now started to be resolved with Rosario expressing his eagerness to join Gilas for their preparation against Qatar and Kazakhstan in late February.

“Of course I’ll be able to catch up with my Gilas duties since the next window is still in February,” said Rosario in Filipino after TNT’s 104-93 win over San Miguel in the PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“This is why I’m also speeding up my return because, if fate would have it, I’d be able to play. Well, I was able to play today so I think I’d be ready if ever I’ll be chosen for the final roster.”

Rosario suffered a broken nose right before the New Year during TNT’s tune-up game against NLEX and that injury sidelined him for the KaTropa’s first three games.

The only thing bothering Rosario, though, is his adjustment to the protective mask he has to wear during games.

“It’s hard especially when I first wore the mask,” said Rosario, who had 22 points and five rebounds. “I will have the mask readjusted because the bone is starting to grow back so there’s some tightness on that part of the nose.”