The PBA on Tour might simply be a series of exhibition games for the teams during the preseason but for Blackwater forward Troy Rosario, it’s an opportunity for the Bossing to build a winning culture and change the stigma of being one of the doormat teams in the league.

Troy Rosario (left) challenges the defense of Terrafirma's Isaac Go. (PBA Images)

Entering the rebuilding stage after another lackluster season that saw the Bossing compile a measly four wins in the last two conferences, Rosario stressed the importance of developing the winning mentality especially now that the team is under new head coach Jeff Cariaso.

“Yung winning mentality sa previous teams ko na napuntahan gusto kong ipakita rin sa kanila kung paano magwork hard para yung team mag-succeed,” said Rosario after Blackwater’s gutsy 100-94 victory over Terrafirma on Wednesday, May 31.

“Isa ako sa mga naging leader, sa tingin ko malaki ang maitutulong ko para maiba yung stigma na pag blackwater kalaban plus one (in win) na yung kalaban,” he added.

Rosario did lead by example, putting up his best performance since getting traded to Blackwater before the last conference with 20 points and five rebounds. 

His hot start also rubbed off to his teammates who also did their share in the win with RK Ilagan taking the Bossing home with a pair of clutch plays to hold off a rallying Dyip side late in the final frame.

Asked about his best performance with the Bossing, Rosario shared that he simply wanted to make sure that his team would bounce back from a tough 117-83 thrashing at the hands of Magnolia the other game.

“We were challenged kasi sa game na ito. Sabi ng mga coaches namin, titingnan namin kung pano kami magrespond after big loss against Magnolia. Kailangan ko istart yun kaming mga veteran,(Baser)  Amer and Jvee (Casio),” Rosario said of Blackwater which is now sporting a 2-1 record in the exhibition tiff.

“Good thing sumunod yung teammates namin talagang nagpakita offense and defense,” he added.