Terrence Romeo finally made his much-anticipated return to the GlobalPort Batang Pier Friday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, when the neon-clad team took on Matthew Wright and the playoff-hungry Phoenix Fuel Masters.
The flamboyant scoring guard, who last played a PBA game back in September of 2017, played as if he never left as he unloaded 20 markers. But that effort of his went for naught as their hijack attempt fell short, 100-104.
Romeo logged in 30 minutes in his return and also collected two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. But even with the team-best scoring output, the five-year pro still feels he has to get accustomed to the league’s style of play again.
“Medyo naninibago [pa ako],” admitted Romeo. “Kasi ang pinakapapawis ko is jogging lang… Ngayon naninibago ako, dati parang common lang sa akin. Alam ko kaagad kung ano ang gagawin ko.
“‘Di bale, makaka-adjust din ako.”
Moreover, the Gilas Pilipinas star admitted that he has yet to regain his timing in terms of playing.
“Ayun, ang layo ko pa, wala pa sa timing.
“May mga ibang shots sa game na kinakapa ko pa tapos yung ibang play iniisip ko pa kapag tinatawag, kasi four days pa lang ano nakapag-ensayo,” rued the 25-year-old.
Romeo has now recovered from a knee issue, which had hounded him since the the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in August. And what made him return to GlobalPort at this point was his desire not to be rusty if ever he’s needed for the playoffs.
“Kinailangan ko na siguro makatulong sa team and para rin sa sarili ko. Gusto ko ng bumalik ang rhythm ko kasi hindi pupwedeng kailanganin ako sa playoffs tapos wala akong game ‘di ba? Wala akong rhythm, mahirap,” he said.
The mere fact that Romeo has finally returned to the Batang Pier’s rotation brings satisfaction to the whole team. But what makes Romeo even more elated was that he was finally able to debut his signature shoe, the Peak TR1.
“Dream come true yun,” said the Far Eastern U product.
“Dati pangarap ko lang makatuntong sa PBA. Ngayon, nagkaroon pa ‘ko ng signature shoe.”
The Batang Pier are now heading into the 2018 Philippine Cup playoffs even with Friday night’s loss, and the reigning scoring champion hopes that he’ll be back in his old form by the time they’re about to play in the next round.
“Hopefully by next game maka-adjust na ako. Kailangan ko lang panoorin ang game na ‘to and pag-aralan tapos praktisin ang mga dapat kong gawin.”
