JUST being on the same court with National Basketball Association (NBA) great Allen Iverson is one opportunity Troy Rosario of newly crowned University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champion National University is not going to waste.
While admitting he is not really fond of the former 6-foot superstar guard of the Philadelphia 76ers, the NU power forward said it would be an honor just to join hands with Iverson during the PCWorx’s “All In” charity basketball event slated on November 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Sobrang excited kasi minsan lang ito mangyari. Once in a lifetime lang ito na makasama mo ’yung napapanood mo lang dati,” said Rosario during his personal appearance in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday where he came along with PCWorx Managing Director Michael Angelo Chua.
Rosario, who played a key role in ending the Bulldogs’ 60-year UAAP title drought last week at the expense of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, admitted he is not a fan of the 39-year-old Iverson, who was named NBA MVP in 2001.
“I’ve seen him play sa Internet na lang, kasi nung time na naglalaro siya hindi pa ako masyadong fan ng basketball,” said Rosario during the session presented by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Shakey’s and Accel.
Nevertheless, the NU stalwart is looking forward to sharing the same stage with the former Georgetown star, especially in an event being staged for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga.
Rosario is part of Team PCWorx of Coach Tim Cone that will play Team Gawad Kalinga to be handled by Iverson himself in a one-game charity event.
Besides Rosario, also with Team PCWorx are reigning UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena and brother Kiefer Ravena, college stars Almond Vosotros, Mark Belo, Javee Mocon, Ola Adeogun, Jaymar Perez and former PBA aces Jerry Codiñera, Marlou Aquino and Willie Miller.
Iverson’s team, on the other hand, is composed of Ball Up Streetball All-Stars.
Chua said Iverson will not suit up for the game, but is going to show some of his basketball skills at halftime.
“Rest assured that during halftime, AI will be showing some of his skills to the crowd, including his famous crossover,” Chua said.
Image credits: Roy Domingo