TROY Rosario admitted he is still more comfortable as a stretch power forward despite thriving in his new role as small forward for Tropang TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The athletic rookie forward adjusted well to his new position on Wednesday as he matched his career high of 22 points, built around five three-pointers, to go with four rebounds in 34 minutes in the Texters’ 107-92 win over Ginebra.
“Yung mga lineup ngayon conference, lumaki dahil sa mga import, so kailangan namin mag-adjust,” Rosario told SPIN.ph. “Parang ang liit namin pag ginawa akong kuwatro eh.”
“(Pero) mas gusto kung saan ako komportable – dun sa kuwatro, kasi alam ko na ang mga gagawin ko dun eh, nasanay na ako,” he was quick to add. “Ngayon, talagang pinagaaralan ko pa.”
[See Late TNT explosion sinks Ginebra]
The former National University star seemed to fit in seamlessly based on his torrid shooting from outside.
“Yun (tumira sa labas) ang pinapagawa sa akin, para ma-open sa loob yung import namin,” said Rosario, who shot 8-of-11 from the field overall.
While on target from deep, the 6-foot-7 former also pounced on mismatches against smaller defenders on the low block.
“Dinadala ko sila sa poste eh, so dahil mas maliliit sila, kaya ko mag-shoot over,” Rosario said.
His performance, as well as that of fellow prized freshman Mo Tautuaa, earned praise from TNT coach Jong Uichico.
“So far, after one conference, alam na nila kung ano yung role nila sa team,” Uichico said.
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