Troy Rosario in Talks with Barangay Ginebra: LA Tenorio Nears Retirement

In the latest developments in Philippine basketball, Troy Rosario has emerged as a key player in negotiations with Barangay Ginebra after becoming an unrestricted free agent. His contract with Blackwater Bossing recently expired, and the PBA has officially approved his free-agent status. Rosario is reportedly fielding offers from three PBA teams: his former squad TNT Tropang Giga, San Miguel Beermen, and Barangay Ginebra. However, sources indicate that Rosario has ruled out a return to TNT and is now seriously considering joining either San Miguel Beermen or Barangay Ginebra.

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Rosario is known for his versatility on the court, and his desire to secure a substantial contract reflects his confidence in his value. He is reportedly seeking a monthly salary of at least one million pesos, a figure he believes is justified by his consistent performance. Along with the financial aspect, Rosario is prioritizing a long-term contract to ensure stability for his family. This long-term deal would give him peace of mind, allowing him to focus solely on his game, a lesson learned from his previous experience with TNT.

Barangay Ginebra, under the leadership of Coach Tim Cone, is actively pursuing Rosario as a much-needed reinforcement for their frontcourt. With Japeth Aguilar dealing with injuries and a lack of depth in the forward position, Rosario could be a perfect fit. Ginebra’s triangle offense system demands versatile players capable of covering multiple positions, and Rosario’s outside shooting and agility make him an ideal candidate. The ongoing negotiations between Rosario and Ginebra seem to be progressing well, and it’s highly possible that fans will soon see Rosario donning the Ginebra jersey. His addition would provide a significant boost to the team’s lineup, addressing a critical need in the frontcourt.

In other news, Ginebra is also preparing for the impending retirement of veteran guard LA Tenorio. Tenorio has been receiving limited playing time in recent games, signaling that the end of his illustrious playing career may be near. Recently, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) offered Tenorio the position of head coach for Batang Gilas, the country’s youth basketball team. However, Tenorio turned down the offer, citing his readiness to contribute in a different capacity. Instead, Tenorio expressed interest in joining Ginebra’s coaching staff, where he hopes to continue mentoring younger players.

While retirement seems imminent, Tenorio remains an influential figure within the team. He has played a crucial role in developing the next generation of players, particularly Ginebra rookie RJ Abarientos and rising star Scotty Thompson. Moving Tenorio to the coaching staff would open up a valuable roster spot while ensuring that his leadership and experience remain an asset to the team. His transition from player to coach could help maintain the continuity of Ginebra’s famed triangle offense.

As Rosario inches closer to joining Barangay Ginebra and Tenorio approaches retirement, the landscape of the team is poised for significant changes. Ginebra’s management is making calculated moves to strengthen its lineup while honoring the contributions of its veteran leaders. Basketball fans eagerly await Rosario’s decision and the next steps in Tenorio’s storied career.