PBA: Romeo slowly adjusting to San Miguel’s system
Credit to Author: Tempo Online| Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:29:39 +0000
by Waylon Galvez
Though his latest game with San Miguel Beer saw Terrence Romeo back to his old self – a scoring machine – the ace playmaker said he still needs to improve on other aspects of the game to be more effective.
The league’s scoring champion for three straight seasons from 2015 to 2017, Romeo erupted for 23 points on an impressive 8-of-10 shooting from the field to help the Beermen beat the Magnolia Hotshots, 113-92.
And according to him, it is all about being ready – ready to do what needs to make the team recover from a slow start.
HOT AGAIN: San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo tries to get away from Magnolia’s Mark Barroca during their PBA game Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (MB photo | Rio Deluvio)
“Alam ko naman na kahit sino sa team namin pwedeng makapag-laro ng maganda. Pero ang importante is ready lang ako,” said Romeo.
Even with his scoring prowess, Romeo said he wants to involve his teammates more, something he has done through four games as he averaged four assists per game.
“Pinag-aaralan ko talaga yung option na mahanap ko sila (teammates) and at the same time saan yung option na pwede akong maka-diskarte,” Romeo added. [I’m looking for ways to find them, and at the same time find ways to create on my own.]
Obtained in a stunning trade with TNT KaTropa prior to the season, there were those skeptical on his joining SMB after his stints with NorthPort [formerly GlobalPort] and TNT ended in controversy and sparked questions on his ability to interact with his teammates.
However, since returning from a foot injury, Romeo has shown his ability to play alongside big guns like reigning five-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, former MVP Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross.
Romeo sprained his right ankle in SMB’s first game against Columbian Dyip, and missed three games including the one against former TNT. He then returned against Rain or Shine.
The team is in a two-game streak as SMB downed Blackwater, 93-79, last week where Romeo scored 17 points on 7-of-19 shooting with five rebounds, four assists in 24 minutes of action.
Romeo said that this is not the time to slow down and be complacent after two or three good games since his overall goal is to blend well with his teammates and help in their goal to win a fifth straight Philippine Cup championship.