ONE Championship: Rosauro Channels Energy In Rooting For The Warriors
Credit to Author: Tempo Online| Date: Mon, 03 Jun 2019 13:00:27 +0000
When Filipino featherweight Roel “Akiyama” Rosauro is not battling inside the ONE Championship Circle or training in the gym, then he could more than likely be spending his time watching basketball.
In fact, he is one of the most avid Golden State Warriors fans out here in the Philippines.
He was made to hold his breath once again as the Warriors needed everything and then some to even the NBA Finals series at one game apiece against the imposing Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
The Raptors drew first blood in Game One, but Rosauro’s beloved Warriors came away with a thrilling 109-104 victory in Game Two. Now, both teams will fly back to the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California with the series tied.
For “Akiyama,” he has never doubted his team’s ability to storm back into the series — even with or without one of their biggest superstars, Kevin Durant.
“I know the importance of winning the first game,” he said. “But for me, the experience of the Warriors in big games will help them adjust and get back into the series even without Durant.”
While the Raptors have proven themselves worthy as challengers, the 31-year-old believes the experience and the winning culture the Warriors have built will play a factor in this series.
After all, they’re not the defending champions for nothing.
“Golden State will win,” he stated.
“They’ve done it before and they have an advantage in everything for me. Scoring, defense, and experience – those are the reasons why they’ll win it all again.”
Rosauro, who is from Camotes Island in Cebu, originally fell in love with basketball the same way as every Filipino cager — in the streets, battling for pride and bragging rights as the suburb’s best.
Then came Warriors star Stephen Curry, who revolutionized the way basketball is played in the modern era. That reignited the featherweight’s interest in the sport.
“Since 10 years old, I was already playing basketball. In our local court, almost every youth comes in and plays daily because we’re all looking forward to playing for our barangay,” he said.
“I admire Steph a lot. He’s not that tall, but he dominates. For me, he’s a complete player. His impact on the team is second to none, particularly his shooting.”
While he is certain mixed martial arts will one day be like basketball in the Philippines, Rosauro knows basketball still dominates the sports scene on this side of the world.
“I know mixed martial arts is on the rise in the Philippines, but when you say sports here, the first thing that will come to their mind is basketball,” he stated.
“It’s a part of their lives already — that’s why I am sure almost everyone is glued to their TV screens right now.”