Photo credit: PBA

Fresh off winning his first championship with Barangay Ginebra, Troy Rosario was ready to celebrate a career milestone. But before the festivities could fully begin, another opportunity came calling — this time from Gilas Pilipinas.

The 34-year-old veteran forward said he has temporarily put his championship celebration on hold after being named to the national team's final 12-man roster for the upcoming third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Rosario admitted he was still enjoying the thrill of helping Ginebra capture the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title when he received word that he would be joining the national squad.

Instead of extending the celebration, the former National University standout shifted his focus to training and preparation as Gilas gears up for crucial road games.

The national team call-up carries special meaning for Rosario. Although he was previously included in the Gilas training pool during the first two qualifying windows, he was not able to secure a spot in the final roster.

This time, however, the opportunity finally arrived.

With key big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown unavailable, Gilas coach Tim Cone and his staff turned to Rosario to help strengthen the team's frontline.

For the 6-foot-7 Cagayan Valley native, earning a place on the final roster is a rewarding moment and proof that his hard work and patience have paid off.

Rosario is no stranger to international competition, having represented the Philippines in previous campaigns, including the Southeast Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship.

Now back in the national colors, he hopes Gilas can deliver strong performances in its upcoming rematches against New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6.

A successful FIBA window, Rosario believes, would make an already memorable year even sweeter.

After all, if Gilas comes away with victories, there may be even more reasons for the newly crowned PBA champion to celebrate.