IS Troy Rosario inching closer to a Barangay Ginebra deal?
Sources told SPIN.ph that Rosario has been in constant touch with no less than Ginebra superstar Scottie Thompson.
The last PBA Governors' Cup Finals, which Ginebra lost to TNT in six games, has only served to highlight a gaping hole in the Kings' frontline.
READ Free-agent Troy Rosario formally declines TNT offer
After the Christian Standhardinger trade to Terrafirma and Isaac Go's injury, the Kings were so desperate for help for Japeth Aguilar down low that they had to summon Joe Devance out of retirement.
And with his 6-7 frame, agility and sweet touch from the outside, Rosario, no doubt, looked every inch the solution to Ginebra's problems.
And it seems, Ginebra’s most popular player is lending a hand.
“Nag-uusap sina Scottie at Troy, magkaibigan yung mga 'yun. Kasi alam mo naman, na-busy si Boss Al (Chua) sa iba pa n'yang mga commitment sa SMC. So si Scottie ang nag-initiate ng talks kay Troy,” said the source from the camp of Ginebra.
Asked if Thompson’s “negotiations” with Rosario was in an official capacity and has the blessings of Chua and other bosses, the source was reserved with his response.
“Hindi ko alam pero syempre, may weight naman si Scottie sa Ginebra kasi star siya don saka close din naman siya sa management. And wala namang masama sa ginagawa nya at hindi majo-jeopardize ang team,” he added.
Technically, Thompson isn't breaking any rules by talking to Rosario since the 32-year old former Gilas Pilipinas mainstay has been an unrestricted free agent since September 21.
Currently, Rosario has reportedly a standing offer of P1.2 million monthly, including bonuses and other perks, from the Converge FiberXers while his former team Blackwater Bossing has dangled a P950,000 monthly pay for five years.
The Cagayan Province pride also has feelers from teams in Korea and Japan.
Rosario has already turned down a P750,000 per month, five-year offer from TNT just last Tuesday.
Another source expects Rosario to announce his choice before the week ends.
“Troy is still Troy, big man na may shooting at matinding dumepensa. So he can be a real asset to any team he goes to,” said another source.
Jericho weighs in
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz told SPIN.ph that he hopes Rosario would land in the Beermen camp, saying the latter would be an ideal frontline partner for June Mar Fajardo.
“Sana mapunta sa amin si Troy. Magandang combination sila ni June Mar. Kasi malaki siya, masipag saka may shooting sa labas, mabibigyan n'ya ng spacing si June Mar sa loob kasi mapupwersa ang big men ng ibang teams na sundan siya sa labas kasi may tres at perimeter,” said Cruz.
However, Thompson and Cruz’s wishes will only come true if San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua will have his blessings.
Converge not losing hope
And time is of the essence as Converge is still in hot pursuit of the former king NU Bulldog.
“Yes, we’re still waiting for Troy and he will be one of the final pieces we will need in our team,” said Converge team manager Jacob Lao, who recently signed another former Gilas star in Jordan Heading for the FiberXers.
“I hope he makes a decision soon and I hope he decides to sign with us. We want Troy,” he added.
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