Grind worth it as Troy Rosario happy to be part of Gilas pool anew

MANILA, Philippines—TNT forward Troy Rosario has no qualms sacrificing much-needed rest for national team duties.

For Rosario, nothing beats answering the call for flag and country.

“I’m really happy to be part of the pool again and to be under another great coach. I hope I get to make the final 12 again,” Rosario said in Filipino Saturday after helping the KaTropa beat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-91, in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

“My body is used to it. I even remember what kuya Del (Ranidel De Ocampo) told me that once you get called to play and commit to the national team, you won’t feel tired even if the PBA is ongoing,” Rosario said.

Rosario hardly had any break since in the 2019 PBA season began. He is coming off a Fiba World Cup stint with Gilas Pilipinas earlier this month just weeks after seeing action in the Commissioner’s Cup finals.

And in less than three months, Rosario could be making another appearance for Gilas in the Southeast Asian Games.

The 27-year-old Rosario, who had already won a gold medal in the 2015 and 2017 SEA Games, hopes to get a shot for a third gold and this time, with the strong possibility of being joined by longtime teammate Jayson Castro.

Castro had competed in numerous international competitions, including a Fiba World Cup stint in 2014, with the exception of participating in the SEA Games.

“I was surprised that he wanted to play in the SEA Games. He told me the SEA Games is the only thing he hasn’t played in and he’s played in a lot of international tournaments so I’m excited for him,” Rosario said of the 33-year-old Castro, who came out of national team retirement and lead Gilas’ 15-man pool for the SEA Games.