Blackwater eyes Rosser, for keeps

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser. PBA IMAGES

With a chance to tab a potential cornerstone from which it could again build on, Blackwater has set its sights on Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser for this Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft.

Coach Ariel Vanguardia said that the Bossing are set on taking the Filipino-American first overall in Sunday’s annual proceedings at Robinson’s Place in Ermita.

“Brandon gives us a rim protector,” Vanguardia told the Inquirer on the eve of the event. “He’s a good shot blocker and rebounder and he can score from inside and out.”

Vanguardia went on to heap praises on the 3×3 standout and the younger brother of TNT defensive ace Matt. But what he likes about the 6-foot-7 forward the most is that Rosser has certain attributes that could not be measured by numbers.

“My former player, Marvin Hayes, is his teammate in Gilas (3×3). And he is saying that Brandon is a great teammate and someone who works hard and is always motivated,” he went on.

Rosser leads 65 other prospects hoping to land a spot in one of 12 ball clubs in the pioneering pro league.

Selecting after Blackwater is Terrafirma, which is hoping that another high pick could finally bring the franchise to its first playoff appearance.

Converge, which acquired Alaska’s franchise late in the season-ending Governors’ Cup, will pick twice—No. 3 and No. 4.

Aware of the stigma that has hounded the club over the years for dealing away prospects who eventually blossomed into stars, Vanguardia said that he intends to stick with Rosser.

“We are not trading him,” he said. “Besides, you are not allowed to trade the first three picks.”

Whether that promise holds true by season’s end, however, is another tale.