Friday night was supposed to be Terrence Romeo’s party. However, he had to leave on short notice.
Romeo made his much-anticipated debut with the San Miguel Beermen at the start of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, but the reigning four-time champs were cut down to size by CJ Perez and the Columbian Dyip, 118-124.
And it was doubly painful for the flamboyant scoring guard – who arrived to the Beermen’s realms in a trade from the TNT KaTropa for Brian Heruela, David Semerad, and a future pick – since he sustained yet another injury.
Romeo sprained his left ankle during the third quarter after accidentally stepping on Rashawn McCarthy’s foot as he attacked the rim. He never saw action after that, and finished with just seven points and four dimes in 12 minutes.
“Nakatapak ako ng paa eh. So galing sa talon, so namaga and ‘di na ko nakabalik … Uminom na ‘ko ng pain reliever pero ‘di pa rin kaya, masakit pa rin,” admitted Romeo, a three-time scoring champion. “Siyempre malungkot, hindi ako gaanong nakatulong sa team.
“Gusto ko sanang pilitin pa na ilaro, pero inisip ko pagka pinilit ko, makakasama lang ako sa team dahil di ako makakahabol sa depensa. Hindi rin ako makaka-hundred percent sa offense. Hindi ako makakatulong sa kanila.”
“So nag-decide nalang ako na umupo, na ipahinga,” Romeo added.
Asked if there’s any timetable of his return – Romeo has gone through pain before, especially in his knee – the six-year pro out of Far Eastern University said that it has yet to be determined.
“Mamaya ko pa malalaman. Kailangan ko pang pakiramdaman pag-uwi ko sa bahay kung kaya. Kapagka siguro namaga, baka hindi ko maibalik sa next game kasi pangit din naman na pilitin mo na may masakit eh,” he said.
“Hindi ka rin makakatulong sa team.”
