Injured last time, Ganuelas-Rosser ‘honored’ to make Gilas’ Asiad pool
MANILA, Philippines—Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser hopes to finally see action for Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games.
The TNT big man was among those included in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ (SBP) 30-man pool for the quadrennial meet, which kicks off next month in Japan.
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“It’s an honor to always be included in the pool. We’ll see how it checks out,” said Ganuelas-Rosser. “I was hoping to go to the Asian Games last time, but I was injured, so we’ll see how it goes.”
The 32-year-old Ganuelas-Rosser was initially part of the Gilas Pilipinas team that won the gold in the previous Asiad in China, but was ruled out due to a fractured leg.
Ganuelas-Rosser just returned from an ankle injury he sustained in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, and if he stays healthy, he is expected to make the final cut with his size, versatility, defense and high motor, especially with his fellow big men like Kai Sotto, AJ Edu and Mike Phillips deemed unavailable for the Asian Games due to their B.League club commitments.
In his third game back from injury, the 6-foot-6 bruiser played a vital role in TNT’s 114-80 win over Titan Ultra in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
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Ganuelas-Rosser is determined to earn his spot at Gilas while also managing his expectations.
“It’s always an honor to be called upon to possibly represent the flag and country so whatever happens, I’ll be ready or I’ll be cheering the guys on, for sure.”
If he makes the squad, it won’t be his first time representing the country after being part of the Philippine side that reclaimed the Southeast Asian Games gold in 2023 just a year after losing it in the pandemic-delayed Hanoi Games.
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He also suited up for Gilas’ 3×3 squad, which won the bronze in the Hanoi SEA Games.