Troy Rosario (middle) is trying hard to inject TNT’s winning culture into the Blackwater camp. —PBA IMAGES
Knowing all too well that there is only much they can control in their respective careers, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Troy Rosario are keeping things simple.
The pair, who were shipped to new teams just before the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, are channeling their energies inward as they navigate new working environments.
Rosser said he is working on other facets of his game as he opens a new chapter of his young career with an NLEX franchise still reeling from a coaching shakeup.
“I’m still getting adjusted to the team. I’ve only been there for three days. So you know, just trying to find my place on the court, on where to be on offense and stuff,” the Filipino-American rookie said.
Rosario, meanwhile, is hoping to share with his Blackwater teammates the habits he was able to soak up over at TNT.
“What I’ve learned with my time at [TNT] is the winning culture. And we all know—not a knock at this team—that is what’s lacking here in Blackwater,” the versatile veteran said.
The two forwards were part of a three-team mega-deal that also sent rising star Calvin Oftana to the Tropang Giga.
Both had their feet wet with their new teams during the opening week of the import-laced conference.
Rosser only had four points in his debut with the Road Warriors last Friday but was relentless underneath the basket, finishing with 10 rebounds and five blocks that helped his new club to a 96-90 victory over the Painters.
Rosario was just as commendable the next night, turning in a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds in the Bossing’s 97-85 whipping of Phoenix.
Both players are steadfast in the belief that their play will improve as the conference plods along. And they know pretty well that the only way to do that is by keeping their nose on the grindstone.
“I’m still gasping like a dog,” Rosario said with a chuckle. “But I’m giving myself at least one week to get my rhythm. We have a two-day break, so I’m going to focus on my body. I’m going to hit the weight room and work on my conditioning.”
“I was joking with Asi [Taulava] the other day. I said ‘This is like my third coach in three weeks,’” Rosario said, referring to Yeng Guiao’s departure which eventually led to NLEX’s hiring of another veteran coach in Frankie Lim.
“[I’m] just trying to be a professional, to be adaptable,” he added. “Whatever the coaches need me to do, I’m going to do.”
Rosser is applying an almost similar mindset.
“Everybody’s just making sure that we stay together and we stick with each other through this transition,” Rosser said. “It should be fun.” INQ