Rosario impressive in Superliga rookie camp
Former Arellano University star CJ Rosario showed why she is groomed as the top overall pick of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) draft after the league staged its first rookie camp last Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.
Rosario, a former NCAA Most Valuable Player, showed her potential during a four-hour workout that served as a chance for hopefuls to catch the attention of teams before tomorrow’s draft at the third floor of the SM Aura in Taguig City.
RC Cola-Army, which won a record fourth PSL title following its conquest of the Invitational Conference earlier this year, will pick first followed by Generika, Perpetual, Standard Insurance-Navy, F2 Logistics, Cignal, Petron and Foton.
Although flattered with the label given to him by coaches and observers, the 21-year-old middle blocker who is also the younger sister of PBA rookie and Gilas Cadets mainstay Troy Rosario is tinkering her expectations.
“Hindi naman ako nag-e-expect kasi mahirap masaktan,” said Rosario, who suited up for Petron during the Invitationals.
“Okay lang kahit anong posisyon sa draft. Kung papalarin, gusto ko sana mag-stay sa Petron. Pero if ever, kahit anong team okay lang sa akin.”
But camp director Sammy Acaylar, also the coach of Cignal, said that Rosario is cinch to have her name called first in the draft.
“I think she’s ready for the big league,” said Acaylar. “She’s the consensus top overall pick. Everybodywants to draft her. Personally, I also want her for my team. But I will be picking sixth pa so medyo malabo. Whoever drafts her will be very lucky. She’s the middle blocker of the future.”
Rosario led the 19 other rookie hopefuls in a round of drills, anthropometric measurements and scrimmage with the PSL All-Stars led by Cha Cruz and Aby Marano of F2 Logistics, Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan of Foton and Jen Reyes and Mina Aganon of Petron. Another big name in former UAAP MVP Ara Galang also showed up, but she remains doubtful in joining the draft as she’s still ironing some details on her eligibility.