Romeo hopes for Gilas return

MANILA, Philippines — If there’s one thing on San Miguel Beer guard Terrence Romeo’s mind when setting goals in basketball, it’s another shot at playing for Gilas. He hasn’t worn the national colors since the FIBA World Cup qualifying brawl with Australia at the Philippine Arena in 2018.

In that infamous melee, Romeo was suspended for three games. “’Yan ang regret ko at dapat na-control ko ang aking emotions,” he said. “Kung ‘di ako na-suspend, malamang tuloy ang laro ko sa Gilas. Sana magkaroon ako ng pagkakataon uli. Ang tangi kong pangarap ay maglaro para sa bayan.”

Romeo said the referees Ahmed Al-Bulushi of Oman, Hatim Al-Harbi of Saudi Arabia and Paul Skayem of Lebanon could’ve done a better job of holding court. They backed off when Daniel Kickert attacked R. R. Pogoy, triggering a free-for-all that even involved fans. “Bago nagsimula ang laro, mainit na,” recalled Romeo. “Parang binastos tayo sa ating bayan. Tinanggal nila yung decal sa court tapos nagkaroon ng gulo sa warmup. Kung laro lang at biglang nagkaroon ng alitan between Kickert at R. R., walang sasali at aawatin sila.”

Romeo, 28, said he’ll never forget playing for Gilas when the national team beat China, 96-87, at the FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut in 2017. “All-Filipino kami, wala si (Andray) Blatche,” said Romeo who hit 26 points in the contest. “Pasalamat ako na binigyan ako ng playing time ni coach Chot (Reyes). Nakabawi kami kasi in 2015, tinalo kami ng China sa FIBA Asia Cup final.” But it was at the 2014 FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Sendai, Japan, where Romeo mesmerized the fans with his ballhandling wizardry and became a global phenomenon.

Romeo said since joining the San Miguel Beer team last season, he couldn’t be happier. “Si coach Leo (Austria), sobrang bait at approachable,” he said. “Kung anong pagagawa sa akin, gagawin ko. Accept ko ang aking role, whether starter or off the bench. Ang goal ko is to help the team, to contribute to win. Kung off the bench, mas may pressure kasi dapat instant ang contribution, kung points or set the play or pass. No wasting time, kailangan magparamdam kaagad. If not, labas ka. Pag-starter, may time ka to warm up, get your rhythm. Pag-off the bench, mahirap na masaya kasi new challenge para sa akin. Noong bago ako sa San Miguel, may nagsabi na ‘di ako fit sa sistema. Sa awa ng Diyos, napatunayan ko fit na fit.”

Romeo said he’s comfortable playing with either Alex Cabagnot or Chris Ross in the backcourt. “Pareho silang sarap kasama,” he said. “Yung mga bagong San Miguel players this season, lahat masisipag, walang nagrereklamo at ginagawa ang pinagagawa sa kanila ni coach Leo.” The newbies are Wendell Comboy, Gelo Alolino, Bambam Gamalinda, Russell Escoto and Daniel de Guzman.

In his first five years as a pro, Romeo was never on a title team with GlobalPort/NorthPort or TNT. But with San Miguel, he has now won two championships and a Finals MVP trophy in the last Commissioner’s Cup. Romeo is looking forward to more championships and if the opportunity arises, a return to Gilas.