AthleteNews & Updates

The next chapter: where will Troy Rosario’s journey take him now?

Troy Rosario, one of the most versatile forwards in the PBA, is officially an unrestricted free agent after spending the last two seasons with Blackwater. The 32-year-old forward confirmed his departure in a heartfelt Instagram post, bidding Blackwater farewell as he now searches for his next professional destination.

The talented Rosario has already garnered interest from several PBA teams, with TNT Tropang Giga and Converge FiberXers presenting offers, a trusted source told ALL-STAR Magazine. While both franchises have shown serious intent to secure his services, Rosario remains undecided as he weighs his options. A potential return to title contender TNT, the team that drafted him second overall in 2015, is an intriguing possibility, while Converge offers a fresh challenge with an up-and-coming squad.

However, Rosario is keeping his options open, waiting on possible offers from the three teams under the San Miguel Corporation umbrella – San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra, and Magnolia Hotshots. Each of these teams could provide him with a championship-contending roster and a fresh start.

In addition to his PBA suitors, Rosario is also drawing attention from international leagues. Teams from Japan’s B. League and South Korea’s KBL have expressed interest, although no official offers have been made yet. Despite the allure of playing overseas, a source said that Rosario’s current priority is to sign a long-term deal in the PBA, citing stability and the security that comes with a long-term contract as key factors in his decision-making process.

Blackwater made a strong push to retain Rosario, offering him a lucrative deal that was described as highly competitive. The team valued Rosario’s contributions over the past two seasons, especially after his fantastic performances.

Rosario’s journey in the PBA began with TNT, where he played from 2015 to 2022, after helping National University win a UAAP men’s basketball championship. However, he was traded to Blackwater in 2022 as part of a three-team deal that also involved Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.

Since then, Rosario has taken his game to new heights. Last season with Blackwater, he delivered impressive numbers, averaging 14.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 50% from the field and 41% from distance. His efficient scoring, rebounding, and ability to stretch the floor make him an asset for any team.

As Rosario takes his time to evaluate the best fit for his future, it’s clear that his next move will have a significant impact not only on his career but also on the team that secures his services. He is expected to make a decision before the month ends. This will be one of the major storylines in the PBA in the upcoming weeks.