PBA: Cariaso sees promising season ahead for Troy Rosario

Blackwater forward Troy Rosario dunks during a PBA preseason game against Phoenix. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Things may be uncertain for Blackwater as it enters a new era under coach Jeffrey Cariaso but one thing’s for sure: Troy Rosario is the unquestioned leader of the squad.

“Troy’s our guy. He’s our main guy and he knows that. When I first took over, he was the first one I spoke to in regards to understanding what his role will be,” said Cariaso.

“Because we have a guy like Troy, I don’t think I’ve had a guy at his level. Him being able to be that elite and in Gilas level, in some ways, this could be a better team from the past two that I’ve coached and that’s the goal.”

Rosario hasn’t been the same consistent player with Blackwater compared to his days with the TNT Tropang Giga due to injuries with the most recent one being a right calf strain during the season-ending Governors’ Cup last year.

But Cariaso assured that Rosario is back to his old self as the 48th Season of the PBA looms.

“Now that he’s recovered, there’s been time for him to work on his skills and because of the time before the opening, he was able to fine-tune a lot of his skills and more than anything, I think he’s feeling good.”

“Sometimes when you’re feeling something and you have tweaks here and there or minor injuries you can’t perform and do the things you want. I’ve always said this, as long as he’s healthy he’s gonna have a great year.”

Rosario showed glimpses of his old form during the PBA on Tour where he averaged 14.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Cariaso and the Bossing will hope to see more of the same from Rosario when the PBA officially opens with the Commisioners’ Cup conference on Nov. 5.