By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings just landed its biggest PBA off-season acquisition of the year after inking power forward Troy Rosario to a deal.
A month after entering the PBA free agency when the Blackwater Bossing franchise granted his release, the former champion and a member of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team is ready to embark on a new chapter in his pro hoops career.
Multiple sports media outlets hinted at Rosario’s arrival with the Gin Kings after Ginebra listed him on their official roster for the PBA Governor’s Cup but the frontcourt star confirmed everything via a social media post with the caption: “Dreams Do Come True. Thank you Boss Alfrancis Chua.”
Chua is the current sports director of the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chain of PBA franchises that includes Ginebra, San Miguel, and the Magnolia Chicken Timplados.
Rosario had a stellar season with the Bossing after getting eliminated from playoff contention and averaged 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.
However, one of the first few stretch power forwards in the league faced a roller-coaster career in the past three years after enduring several injuries that prevented him from playing an entire PBA conference.
Under the Gin Kings, Rosario hopes to revive his career and win another PBA championship title. His last golden trophy came from his stint with the TNT Tropang Giga.
Rosario’s arrival will just be in time, as the Gin Kings are still having a banged-up roster, with the absence of Jeremiah Gray, Isaac Go, and Jamie Malonzo.
Last PBA Governor’s Cup, Ginebra was forced to call back the retired Joe Devance to help boost their frontcourt woes but unfortunately, lost to the Tropang Giga in the grand finals.
Rosario’s debut game with the Gin Kings is scheduled for December 11, 2024, when Ginebra takes on Robert Bolick and the NLEX Road Warriors.
