Troy Rosario made a surprise start in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, taking the place of veteran and long-time Gin King Japeth Aguilar.
The adjustment seemed to pay off. Rosario helped Ginebra to a fast start and ended up with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Aguilar, on the other hand, seemed energized coming off the bench, putting up 12 points highlighted by a vicious in-your-face slam on Henry Galinato Jr. to end the first half.
More importantly, Ginebra wound up with a hard-earned 100-95 win in OT. Despite that, Rosario admitted he was surprised that he got the call to start.
“Kahit ako nagulat din na nag-start ako. I think may game plan na naisip si Coach Tim [Cone],” he told reporters after Game 5 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rosario Shrugs Off Surprise Start
Aguilar had started the first four games of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. So, imagine Rosario’s surprise to be starting the crucial Game 5. It was a major adjustment, although the former TNT draftee insists who starts and who comes off the bench hardly matters. What matters, according to him, is doing one’s role in the team.
“Sa practice naman talagang sinasabi naman sa amin ’yung mga role namin. So, mag-start ka o hindi, talagang kailangan mo lang maipakita at saka gawin ’yung game plan,” said the second overall pick of the 2015 PBA Draft.
Rosario played his role in Game 5. He defended TNT import Chris McCullough, grabbed rebounds, and made himself available around the basket. Defend, rebound, and stay ready on offense are exactly what Cone wants Rosario to do—and he did plenty in Game 5. He even converted a crucial basket in OT off a pocket pass from RJ Abarrientos in a well-executed high pick-and-roll.
Rest To Break a Series Pattern
Now, Rosario and the rest of the Gin Kings have the championship in sight. But to secure it, the veteran big man knows Ginebra will have to be the first team to win back-to-back games this series. And, to be in condition to do that, Rosario said the first order of business is rest.
“Game 6, sana try namin mag back-to-back to break ’yung ganun na win-lose-win-lose, so simula ngayon at mamaya [start na] yung preparation namin kase ’yung game umabot ng overtime so lahat kami pagod,” said Rosario. “Sabi nga ni Coach Tim, ’yung preparation namin para sa Game 6 magsisimula mamaya pagtulog namin.”
Sleep time is over. The grind begins again later as TNT and Ginebra clash for a sixth time.
