By MARK REY MONTEJO

Blackwater Bossing forward Troy Rosario turned emotional as he finally earned his long awaited bachelor’s degree on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Rosario, 31, took eight years to finish his management degree at National University as his duties with Gilas Pilipinas and the PBA caused him delays in completing his studies.

“Back in 2015, I missed two important events in my life due to national team duties, my graduation and PBA Draft. I was not able to march and receive my diploma. It has always been a dream of mine,” Rosario posted on his social media account.

“For some, it may sound noob but not for me who had nothing but determination and hope just to finish my studies, it is something far-reaching, a goal of a lifetime,” he added.

The 6-foot-7 cager was drafted as second overall pick by Mahindra Enforcer but shortly transferred to Talk-N-Text Tropang Texters (Tropang Giga), where he played for seven years and won a title in 2021.

In the following year, he was traded via a three-way deal of TNT, NLEX and Blackwater. He anchored the Bossing in the recently concluded PBA on Tour, finishing at fourth place and averaged 16.11 points, 6.67 rebounds and 1.78 assists in nine games.

Recently, Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy offered Rosario for Gilas in the nearing 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.