TROY Rosario rejoined Gilas Pilipinas in its preparation for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, but remains in doubt for matches against Australia and Japan in the second window of the home-and-away tournament.
The 26-year-old TnT Katropa forward said he already got clearance from his neurosurgeon to resume basketball-related activities following a check-up onMonday.
Still, his stint will depend on whether there will be any more symptoms from the nasty fall he suffered during TnT’s game against Phoenix last week in the PBA Philippine Cup.
“Depende kasi kung hindi na ako makaramdam ng hilo,” said Rosario just before the Gilas practice on Tuesday night at the Meralco gym.
“Ang advise (ng doctor) light practice muna for three days then pag walang hilo (akong naramdaman), puwede ng mag progess.”
The 6-foot-7 former National University star already showed up for TnT’s game 93-78 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Except for the four stiches needed to close the cut on his chin, Rosario said everything is well with him.
He added it’s a good thing he’s already familiar with the Gilas system that all he’s concerned about at the moment is his state of health.
“Ang importante makundisyon ako para handa ako if ever makalaro ako either against Australia or Japan,” Rosario said.
The team will be leaving for Melbourne on Feb. 19 and plays the Boomers on the 22nd. The Filipinos then returns to the country by the 23rd and face Japan on the 25th at the Mall of Asia Arena.