The Philippines, indeed, is never lacking in basketball talent. And unlike in decades past, the national team – collectively known as Gilas Pilipinas – has enough stockpile of big men.
With celebrated slotmen Kai Sotto and Kevin Quiambao out on sickbay, Gilas is looking at someone equally gifted with height and talent. And with even more experience.
Troy Rosario is officially back in the Gilas Pilipinas fold and will join the team for its upcoming camp in Doha, Qatar, as they wrap up their Asia Cup Qualifiers against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand on February 20 and 23, respectively.
The versatile forward’s return to the national team comes at a pivotal time for Gilas, which has been hit by injuries to key players.
Sources confirmed that Rosario, who stands 6-foot-7, will be called up to bolster the squad’s frontline following the injuries to starting center Kai Sotto and forward Kevin Quiambao.
Sotto, who suffered a torn ACL in Japan’s B.League, is expected to be sidelined for six months, making his participation in the 2025 Asia Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia from August 5- 17, unlikely.
Meanwhile, Quiambao is reportedly out for at least four weeks after sustaining an ankle ligament tear during his debut with the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone confirmed to reporters that Rosario will rejoin the national team for the February window.
“Troy will join us for the Doha trip,” Cone was quoted as saying.
Rosario’s inclusion is seen as a necessary boost to the Gilas roster after the setbacks at the turn of the year.
Rosario’s familiarity with Cone’s system, having thrived as Barangay Ginebra’s starting forward in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, makes him a seamless addition to the team.
His size and versatility provide Gilas with more options in the frontcourt, and while his return is a welcome development, Cone emphasized that Rosario will still have to compete for a spot in the final 12-man lineup.
“Troy will be competing for a spot in the 12,” Cone added, ensuring that nothing is guaranteed despite Rosario’s solid track record. As Gilas continues to adjust to the injuries, Rosario’s return could play a pivotal role in their qualification hopes.