Dehesa says Rosario has bright future in PBA

Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Incoming PBA rookie Troy Rosario received praises from Manila North teammate Karl Dehesa after showing his stuff in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters.

Asked by some sportswriters after the championship game on Sunday night, the Mahindra Enforcer believes that the former Hapee Fresh Fighter could be the league's next big thing.

"Any team in the PBA would be lucky to have him. He's got a bright future," Dehesa said.

In particular, he gave a positive feedback on Rosario's athleticism and his efforts on the 50-50 balls.

Dehesa raved, "I like his energy and hustle. It's great to have a guy like that on the team. He's very athletic. He's very skilled."

Although he admitted that he has yet to see Rosario play in a 5-on-5 game, Dehesa still thinks the 6-7 forward-center can dominate the interior in the pros.

"In a 3-on-3, you're exposed to playing 1-on-1, and he's holding his own. He's doing well. I expect the same way on a 5-on-5," he further noted.

Dehesa's PBA club owns the second pick of the PBA Draft on Aug. 23, and early mock drafts have Rosario as the guy to be chosen right after consensus top pick Moala Tautuaa.