INJURED guard Matt Ganuelas-Rosser expressed disappointment over missing out on a chance to vie for a spot in Gilas Pilipinas and play in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The 25-year-old Ganuelas-Rosser underwent surgery and will start rehab. He was dropped from the 24-man pool of Gilas Pilipinas, along with Barangay Ginebra center Greg Slaughter due to injuries.
Ganuelas-Rosser had wanted to regain a spot in the Philippine team after seeing action with Gilas in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship in Changsha, China.
“Honestly, I am disappointed I can’t compete for a spot in the OQT,” said the Tropang TNT cager in an online interview.
“Since we lost in the finals of Fiba Asia, I’ve been looking forward to be a part of this pool. I’m really sad I can’t be out there to represent our country this time,” he added.
[See Rosario catches nap in gym in between practices of Gilas, Seaba-bound cadets]
Ganuelas-Rosser said he has been playing hurt since he suffered a left toe injury in his rookie year and a right ankle injury right after the Fiba Asia Championship. The pain became unbearable towards the end of the Commissioner’s Cup, he said.
“That’s when I was advised by my doctor and PT to get the surgery. The rehab could take up to three months,” said Ganuelas-Rosser, who already played in the national team before he was drafted in 2014.
Ganuelas-Rosser is confident of a full recovery and is hoping to once again don the country’s colors in international play.
“I’m hoping with a lot of hard work, I can be back sooner and be ready for the Governors’ Cup,” said Ganuelas-Rosser.
“God willing, if I’m given another opportunity (to be part of the national team), I won’t hesitate to serve,” added Ganuelas-Rosser.
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