Romeo fit to play in NBA?

MANILA, Philippines - GlobalPort import Murphy Holloway said the other day Terrence Romeo has the skills to compete in the NBA G-League and could work his way to the NBA with the right breaks despite a lack of ceiling.

“I played two games with Terrence (in the PBA Governors Cup) before he left for Lebanon (to play in the FIBA Asia Cup),” said Holloway who has seen action as an import in Italy, France, Turkey and Israel. “Man, he’s got moves. I watched him play against China on TV and he was impressive. I missed his 22-point second quarter against Korea but I heard about it. I think he can play in the G-League and might be able to go to the NBA. His problem is height. NBA teams will wonder if he can defend bigger guards with his height. But in terms of scoring, Terrence could compete with the best.”

Romeo, 25, was Gilas’ leading scorer in Lebanon, averaging 17.8 points and 21.3 minutes off the bench. He hit 43.9 percent from beyond the arc, shot 27-of-30 from the line and dished off three dimes a game. Against China, Romeo sizzled for 26 points, including 5-of-7 triples. The former FEU standout didn’t miss from the stripe in his last 14 attempts.

In the ongoing Governors Cup, Romeo is averaging 24.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He should be back with GlobalPort when the Batang Pier takes on San Miguel Beer at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tomorrow.

Holloway, 27, knows what he’s talking about. His creds are outstanding. He finished his collegiate eligibility as Mississippi’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,093 boards in four years and the only player in Southeastern Conference history to compile at least 1,400 points, 1,000 rebounds and 190 steals in his career. Holloway has played in A-grade leagues around the world, making his mark wherever he’s been.

“I love the Philippines,” he said. “It’s my first time in Asia. In the last three years, at least four PBA teams tried to get me over. (Former PBA import) A. Z. Reid lives a few houses away in South Carolina and told me to go play in the PBA because it’s a great league. I think France is the toughest league because they’re competitive from top to bottom. In Italy, fans love their basketball like Filipinos. In Israel, I had a good experience and people were so nice. In the PBA, there are clear top teams, clear bottom teams and clear middle teams. It takes money to be up there. I’m just happy to be in the PBA, playing for GlobalPort and coach Franz (Pumaren).”

Pumaren said Holloway was a discovery from Facebook after GlobalPort decided to dismiss original import Jabril Trawick. “We’re lucky we found Murphy,” he said. “He’s such an intense player that at practice, I try to pace him. He’s a Norman Black or Bobby Parks type. He gets along with everyone. Back in the US, he has a catering business so he’s a chef, too. He’s cooked for Mick (Pennisi) and Mike (Cortez) and he promised to cook at my house. He told me when he got his contract with Baltimore in the NFL, the first thing he did was to buy a Bentley and he paid $5,000 a month for it. He had to give it up later when he left the NFL so that’s a lesson he learned. He now knows the value of working hard to earn his money. That’s why in the PBA, he told me he’s here to work hard, not to have fun. He’s also very resourceful. In Europe, he learned how to drive a stick-shift, following instructions on YouTube.”

Pumaren said Holloway went under the wings of Michael Oher, whose football story is immortalized in the film “The Blind Side,” during his brief career with the Baltimore Ravens. Holloway turned to football after a tryout with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies went nowhere. He later decided to try his luck playing basketball overseas.

Holloway said playing against Ginebra in his second game with GlobalPort was a challenge. “Justin (Brownlee) is clutch,” he said. “In Italy, he hit a late three to kick my team out of the playoffs. When we played Ginebra, it was tough. If you get through Justin, there’s a 6-9 guy waiting (Japeth Aguilar) and if you get through him, there’s a 7-footer waiting (Greg Slaughter). There are some good big Filipinos playing out there. But as for me, I’ll just play my game which is basically rebounding and transition.”

Holloway’s wife Courtney and their four children live in South Carolina. “Courtney’s a lawyer so I don’t pay all the bills,” he chuckled. “Maybe next year, if I’m invited back, I’ll bring my family over to experience the Philippines.” With Holloway, GlobalPort is 2-1. Holloway is averaging 31.3 points and 20.7 rebounds.