CHICAGO - The last time Troy Rosario picked up a PBA paycheck was 51 days ago, or last September 15.
Obviously, he hasn't gotten one since turning down Blackwater's alleged hefty five-year, P900,000 a month offer. And though he's not hurting for money, the 6-foot-7 power forward is losing out on potential income every day that he isn't signed.
Still, Team Troy is carefully plotting the next stop, doing due diligence with the knowledge that this contract could well be Rosario's last long-term deal at age 32.
COLUMN: Troy Rosario meets with SMC bosses next week
"Mahigit isang buwan na sweldo na ang na-sacrifice ni Troy, pero we have to make sure he gets the best available offer. Haste makes waste," a member of the former NU star's tight circle told me on Tuesday.
Right now, the race to acquire the nimble big is a neck-and-neck affair between Converge and TNT, the source added.
There is still a wild card, though: San Miguel Corp., should it choose to enter the derby.
LURKING IN THE WINGS
Given the beer giant's billion-peso budget for basketball operations, SMC is a war horse that can instantly, decisively blow the race wide open.
Meanwhile, Troy is focusing only on things he can control, which includes taking care of his 218-pound frame and making sure he's ready when the next conference begins.
Going to a gym in Fairview as often as he can, Troy admits he is not yet in tip-top game shape. But he does regular workouts and shooting drills.
"Hindi naman zero pagdating sa conditioning," he said.
So where is he going?
"I have a team in mind na po. Ineenjoy ko lang ang time off with family," Troy confessed. And with negotiations still ongoing, "secret na lang po muna."
There's a clue though: A rich team just got richer. It's a tale as old as time in the PBA.
IIMPORT UPDATES. After NLEX announced former Toronto Raptor Ed Davis as their import and TNT leaning on bringing back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the Commissioner's Cup, Meralco is the only MVP Group team without a reinforcement.
Sources told me that the Bolts had talks with Rashawn Thomas before the deal fell through. With the Bolts offering just less than $30,000 a month, I am told, both sides were far apart in the aspect of money.
Also, Thomas can't play until after December 1.
Asked if an import has already been picked with the conference just 22 days away, a team source declined for fear of reprimand.
Apparently, active consultant Nenad Vucenic and team manager Paolo Trillo have become increasingly militant when it comes to keeping information in-house.
This import they're about to sign must be really, really good that the Bolts want to surprise the rest of the league.
I'll keep you posted.
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