Troy stands tall for TnT, wins weekly PBA player citation

MANILA, Philippines – Troy Rosario is proving to be more than just a towering presence for TnT Katropa in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The 6-foot-7 forward has become the perfect frontcourt partner for import Terrence Jones especially in the playoffs where Rosario emerged as a consistent force on both ends for the Katropa.

Rosario, 27, helped the top seeded team to escape the upset ax against Alaska in the quarterfinals and is now holding his own against the bigs of Barangay Ginebra in their best-of-five semifinals series.

Three straight wins in the playoffs from the period July 22-28 where Rosario played a crucial role earned for him the top choice as the PBA Press Corps-Cignal Player of the Week.

The former National University star got the nod of all 11 Press Corps members who were able to cast their votes for the weekly plum.

The no. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Rosario led all TnT locals in scoring during that three-game winning stretch by averaging 20.0 points and 7.3 rebounds.

In the Katropa’s 95-92 win over defending champion Barangay Ginebra in the opener of their semis series, Rosario exploded for 24 points and 10 rebounds in playing a huge support role for Jones. He also shot 5-of-8 from three-point range.

Rosario bested fellow Katropa Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy for the weekly honor.

Others nominated for the citation were Alex Cabagnot, Christian Standhardinger and Arwind Santos of San Miguel, and Rain or Shine’s Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon.