For Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, there’s a better reason why he’s excited to play in his new team – the NLEX Road Warriors.
The top overall rookie pick has a chance of playing for a consistent playoff performer and the 6-foot-7 center/forward is also happy to be traded to a team that just dealt his previous squad, Blackwater, a sound beating the first time they’ve met in the Philippine Cup.
“I think a couple of days ago, I was talking to some of the guys at practice. I was telling Justin Chua that it’s nice to be on the other side of that game now,” Ganuelas-Rosser said.
Ganuelas-Rosser is referring to the 30-point blowout win by NLEX over Blackwater, 98-68, in the elimination round of the PBA Philippine Cup last July 15 in a game where the Road Warriors held the Bossing to a record two points in the first period.
The first period ended at 31-2 and that output matched Mobiline’s measly production against Sta. Lucia on February 28, 2001 as the Phone Pals shot a woeful 1-of-17 from the field.
It was also the lowest output in a quarter since NorthPort only scored only two points in the third quarter of its game against Rain or Shine on October 18, 2020.
Joining the Road Warriors now gives Ganuelas-Rosser a chance to refresh his young career, especially after getting traded after playing only one conference for the Bossing. He was shipped to NLEX in a three-team trade that also involved veteran forward Troy Rosario and rising star Calvin Oftana and Rayul Soyud.
“I’m happy to be at the other side now,” added Ganuelas-Rosser. “They beat us pretty good. That’s how talented NLEX is. They shot crazy. I think they hit 15 three-point shots during that game. It’s always good to be on the other side now. We’ll see how it goes.”
Getting traded to another team after playing for one conference was definitely shocking for Ganuelas-Rosser, but he took it like a real professional.
“I was really surprised,” added Ganuelas-Rosser. “I only played half of one conference for the team. It was a little surprising that it came quickly. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and I’m really grateful for NLEX for trading for me, that means they saw something in me and I can add something to the team. I’m really happy I’m with NLEX now, but also grateful for the time I spent with Blackwater as well.”
Ganuelas-Rosser’s debut game with NLEX was a solid one as he grabbed 10 rebounds while also coming away with five blocks.
Rebounding and interior defense are some of the things NLEX had been lacking previously and with Ganuelas-Rosser and NBA veteran Earl Clark, two athletic big men who can cover the shaded lane, the Road Warriors had become tougher defensively inside.
“I think I fit in pretty well,” he added. “As long as I play my game, with my motor and high energy, I’ll be able to find time on the court. Just focusing on the little things, just focusing on defense. That’s been my calling card so far in the PBA.”
“I also think that last conference, my rebounding wasn’t really well. I didn’t have enough games to showcase my rebounding. So far, in the first game, I had 10 rebounds and I’m really happy with that. It’s one of the challenges I set for myself this conference, making things I do those things well. Always around defense. That’s something I always try to rely on.”