BLACKWATER coach Jeff Cariaso has a lot of optimism for Troy Rosario now that the former national team member is healthier for the coming PBA season.
Cariaso feels Rosario is back at the level that earned him several call-ups with Gilas Pilipinas before suffering injuries over the past few conferences.
See How Aldin Ayo felt to see Jeron Teng go
“Troy is our guy. He is our main guy and he knows that,” said Cariaso. “When I first took over, he was the first that I spoke to. Siya ‘yung unang kinausap ko with regards to understanding what his role is going to be.”
Rosario enters his first full season with Blackwater after being traded by TNT as part of the Calvin Oftana transaction. He averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 30 games with TNT and Blackwater last season, but only played 10 out of the possible 22 games for the Bossing in the final two conferences.
Rosario won't simpley be the go-to-guy but be a leader on the team, according to Cariaso.
“I told him it’s your team. You have to be able to carry the load and understand what is expected of you,” said Cariaso.
“I know last year he was hurt by injuries. But he has a clean bill of health now. He is looking good in practice and tune-up games,” said Cariaso.
Cariaso said he has never coached a player as high of a talent as Rosario over the course of his most recent coaching stints with Alaska and Converge.
When asked how unique this current coaching job of his is, Cariaso said: “Because we have a guy like Troy, I don’t think I’ve ever had a guy at his level, him being able to be that elite na Gilas level that has the experience and ability to carry a team.
“In some ways or not, this could be an even better team from the past two that I hold. But of course, that’s the goal,” said Cariaso.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
