Troy Rosario starts 2025 by fulfilling his childhood dream

Jeth Troy Rosario exploded for 22 points on 4-of-8 shooting from three-point territory to start 2025 with a bang as he led Barangay Ginebra to a 93-81 win over the mighty San Miguel Beermen on Sunday night, January 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rosario also grabbed 10 rebounds and swatted the ball once in 33 minutes of play to be named Best Player of the Game.

In getting the BPG honors, the former National University stalwart finally fulfilled his dream of playing well in his childhood dream team.

Before the conference started, Rosario signed a three-year deal with Ginebra after assessing all the offers laid out to him during his free agency. 

He was elated when he played with Ginebra for the very first time in his career.

In his very first game of the Commissioner’s Cup as a Gin King, Rosario already tasted a win.

“Finally, it's been a childhood dream nga eh to wear that jersey. Talagang masarap sa pakiramdam,” said Rosario after that game.

He also shared how excited he was even before the game started, “Pagdating ko pa lang dito sa venue, talagang ‘yun ‘yung tinignan ko eh, kung nasaan ‘yung jersey ko. Finally, masusuot ka na rin.”

Fast-forward to their last game; the 6-foot-7 forward-center finally had his breakout game, donning the red jersey.

Rosario helped the Gin Kings in earning their fifth win in seven games. He was also a solid contributor in all of their other games.

They could further improve and even top the team standings if they get another victory over the league-leading NorthPort Batang Pier (6-1) during their match-up on Wednesday, January 8, at the PhilSports Arena.

If Ginebra can grab the victory against NP, they can continue the momentum on Sunday, January 12, when they face Blackwater (the team where Troy played last before coming to Ginebra) at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

In their next two games, Rosario is expected to be better as he already showed what he can bring to the table when they defeated the ferocious SMB squad.

Looking at Troy Rosario's accomplishments at the age of 32, and he even admitted that he is nearing the twilight of his career, it also gives us hope that there will always be better things ahead of us and that our dreams can be fulfilled no matter what age.