'DEAR Troy, let’s talk soon.'
This is the short but sweet message of Converge FiberXers team manager Jacob Lao sent to the camp of Troy Rosario through his longtime agent Danny Espiritu, temporarily represented by his son Marvin.
In an interview with SPIN.ph, Lao confirmed that they are launching a bid for the agile 6-7 former Gilas Pilipinas sniper and unrestricted free agent.
“Yes we want Troy and we are just waiting for his agent to set up a meeting. We already talked to Marvin and we hope to start a negotiation this week,” said the son of Strong Group Athletics owner and sports patron Frank Lao.
COLUMN: TNT rolls out big guns led by Boss MVP for Troy meeting
Lao said they are bent on pursuing Rosario even though Converge has a long list of big men like top overall pick Justin Baltazar (6-9), Pao Javillonar (6-5), Ben Philips (6-8), Jason Credo (6-5) and Ronan Santos (6-7).
Aside from the rookie giants, Converge also has star slotman Justin Arana (6-7), Jeo Ambohot (6-7), Keith Zaldivar (6-6) and practice player Andre Flores (6-6).
Here's the reason why.
“We need to invest in our frontline kasi nakita nyo naman sa last game namin sa playoffs, June Mar Fajardo had 40 points and 24 rebounds, so height pa rin talaga ang kailangan para maka compete kami sa elite teams,” he said Lao.
“Saka free agent naman si Troy and we see our chance to get him, bakit hindi kami mag explore,” he added.
Lao also assured that if and when they are able to secure Rosario’s signature soon, the Fiberxers will have a big role for him in the franchise’s bid to win a championship.
“Gusto namin mag-compete, gusto naming sumabay sa mga higanteng teams. And the only way to do that is to get the best available talents, and Troy is one of the biggest players out there in the free agent market,” said the youthful team executive.
“Troy shouldn’t worry about playing time with us, Troy said he wants to win a championship soon. We can give that to him, if he will give us the chance to have him onboard,” said Lao.
Currently, Lao bared that he is in constant touch with the younger Espiritu so they can start the ball of negotiations rolling.
“I am just waiting for Marvin to set the meeting with Troy then we can lay down our cards and we can hear whatever he wants,” he said.
Aside from TNT Tropang Giga, it is reported that Rosario has standing offers from Blackwater Bossing, his former team, and two ballclubs from Japan and Korea.
Ginebra, the team that is also in need of a big man has not yet made any offer as well as the two other San Miguel Corp. teams as top management is waiting for the developments of TNT’s current offer for Rosario, sources said.
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