Terrence Romeo has his hands full balancing his role as a player for Terrafirma in the PBA and his new responsibility as head coach of PSP in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL).
Despite the demanding schedule, Romeo embraces the challenge, as it keeps him deeply involved in the sport he loves — basketball.
“Medyo mahirap pero okay lang, masaya naman ako sa ginagawa ko,” Romeo said when asked about juggling his duties with the Dyip and the Lady Gymers last Thursday. “Nasa basketball world pa rin naman ako.
“Wala naman akong ibang pinagkakaabalahan or what after kong mag-basketball or mag-practice. Masaya. Mahirap pero masaya,” he added.
While he admits that adjusting to his new role has been a process, Romeo remains committed to honing his coaching skills to help the Lady Gymers make their mark in WMPBL’s inaugural season.
As one of the greatest scorers of his generation, the 32-year-old shooting guard is used to having plays designed for him. Now, however, he finds himself on the other side, calling the shots and crafting strategies from the sidelines.
(C) WMPBL
“Focus ko lang naman is maglaro ng basketball at mag-coach ng team. So ‘yun ang main goal ko — kung paano makatulong sa team, paano sila ma-guide, that’s it,” said the former Gilas Pilipinas star.
“More on siguro sa pag-strategize lang ‘yung biggest adjustment. Strategize ng mga players ko, kung paano ko magagamit ‘yung mga strengths nila sa system ko.”
More than anything, Romeo is grateful to be part of the WMPBL, which he sees as a platform to empower women in sports while contributing to the league’s growth.
“Sobrang thankful ako at for sure, lahat ng mga women basketball players na nagkaroon ng WMPBL. ‘Yun ang number one na masasabi ko kasi lahat ngayon ng mga women’s (basketball players) na nasa high school or college, magkakaroon sila ng chance na maging pro. So another goal for them, hindi katulad dati na pagkatapos mo ng college, wala na silang ibang pwedeng gawin. Walang pro,” Romeo shared.
“So ngayon, meron silang another opportunity. Hindi ko na siya tatawaging work kasi mahal naman nila ‘yung ginagawa nila, masaya naman sila. So nakakapag-basketball sila at the same time, nakakatulong pa sila sa family nila. So I’m sure magiging successful ang WMPBL.”
