Troy Rosario knows that right now, playing professionally is no longer just a job. It’s also a source of inspiration and a morale booster for a country caught in the ravages of a crippling health crisis.
In an interview with PBA Kamustahan, TNT’s versatile big man said a PBA restart could not only entertain viewers but also give them a bit of motivation since it returns a big part of local culture to its fans.
“It’s better if they see us on TV again because in our own little way we can give a bit of strength and motivation because the PBA is being played again,” Rosario said in Filipino. “The people will feel better because the players are out there.”
The PBA is working to reboot a season suspended last March with at least one conference. It has gained inroads in that attempt, securing the green light from the government to resume individual training, and is now thinking about moving to the next phase in an ambitious restart plan.
Commissioner Willie Marcial has said that restarting the PBA is still further down the path but the league is looking to convince the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases that it can implement health and safety protocols that will secure its players and staff in a potential season resumption.
Although part of those protocols will involve barring fans from playing venues, Rosario said that he doesn’t mind as long as they are finally allowed to continue playing and their games are broadcasted live on TV.
“That’s [better than] not having the PBA for the whole year,” Rosario said. “Even if fans aren’t allowed inside the venue, we still have to do our jobs, which is to play. What we’re doing is for the fans and not just for us.”
“It’ll be hard, but that’s the world we’re living in. This is the new normal, we really have to adjust.”
A restart will have Rosario teaming up with new addition Poy Erram in a retooled TNT squad.