PBA: KRIS ROSALES THRIVES BY EMBRACING HIS ROLE AT SAN MIGUEL

MANILA, Philippines—Entering a franchise as storied as San Miguel Beer, Kris Rosales had some struggles fitting in.

But once he fully established his role for the Beermen, he left his ego at the door and did anything and everything his squad needed to reach greatness.

Just look at San Miguel’s latest Philippine Cup title. Known as a dynamic scorer and spark plug whenever called upon, Rosales saw his minutes wind down more than usual this conference. Instead of pushing back, he embraced it.

“I’ve been in the league for years now and I see things that need to happen on the court,” he told the Inquirer after the Beermen’s title-clinching Game 6 win over TNT recently.

“I’m able to see those things and guys like my coaches are the best in the world and they help me to take good shots and play the right away.”

Rosales was scoreless in San Miguel’s final game of the conference against the Tropang 5G, but his contributions in earlier games helped give the Beermen the edge in the series.

In Game 5, one contest before San Miguel secured the championship, Rosales heard his name called by coach Leo Austria. In 26 minutes–more than his usual exposure–he delivered 12 crucial points, four assists, a rebound and a block to fuel a 96-82 win and a pivotal 3-2 series lead.

Things, however, weren’t always smooth for Rosales.

“There was some pressure but you have to change your perspective. It’s a mental thing. You can take the pressure off by changing your perspective so I looked at it as a blessing and an opportunity that I can’t pass up.”

“When I first got here, I was nervous, wondering what my role is until I figured it out in the past couple of years. I’m at ease because  I know what I need to do to succeed and for my team to succeed. That’s the biggest thing.”

2026-02-06T11:16:59Z