By: Rom Anzures
Santi Romero is no stranger to proving his doubters wrong.
Whether it’s because of his Gilas Youth stint or his family name, Romero has faced his fair share of challenges on the court.
But after contributing 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists in La Salle Green Hills’ recent victory against San Beda in the NCAA Season 98 Juniors’ Basketball Final Four, Romero knows that he’s just doing his job and understands what’s being asked of him.
When asked about his performance, Romero humbly said, “Yung ginawa ko lang po, nag-stay aggressive, tinrust yung practices namin, and fini-fit lang po yung mga roles namin.”
He knows the strengths of his teammates, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to fit his role and contribute to the team.
Despite the pressure of playing in the postseason, especially for a team like LSGH, Romero does not let it affect his play. The son of Cong. Mikee Romero shared, “Noon, nape-pressure po talaga ako especially noong Batang Gilas. Pero ngayon sinasabi ko lang sa team namin is basketball lang ‘to.
“Parang yung sinasabi ng mga NBA players, yung pressure ay para dun sa mga tao na naghahanap ng next meal nila. Kami naglalaro lang po kami ng basketball.“
Romero and the Greenies will face Letran in the finals, and the 6-foot-3 guard out of Makati is ready to help his squad avenge the loss of the Blazers last December against the Knights. He knows that Letran is a solid team with many talented players. Still, he and his teammates are ready to give them a good fight.
But Romero’s motivation goes beyond just winning the championship. He wants to dedicate this Finals series to the Blazers and the LSGH squad who lost to the then-Malayan Red Robins in Season 94.
“Isa po sa mga motivation namin eh, yung mga past teams na natalo, gusto lang namin ipanalo itong championship para sa kanila.”
When it comes to expectations, Romero is determined to do whatever it takes to help his team obtain the title.
“Gusto ko lang manalo yung team eh. Kahit zero points ako okay lang, basta panalo.”
