PBA Beermen’s take on Romeo: He’s OK

Members of the San Miguel Beermen see new acquisition Terrence Romeo as a key asset than a major hindrance in their quest for a recordextending fifth straight title in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Skeptics were quick to worry about the Beermen’s chances of continuing their dominance in the PBA’s most prestigious conference after Romeo was acquired from TNT KaTropa in exchange for Brian Heruela, David Semerad and a 2021 second round pick.

But the players led by June Mar Fajardo were quick to show their support for their new teammate, who is scheduled to attend his first San Miguel practice today at the Acropolis Gym in Quezon City.

“I know Terrence and he’s OK, there’s no problem. That’s all part of basketball,” Fajardo said in Filipino. The two were teammates at Gilas Pilipinas.

Romeo wasn’t around yesterday when San Miguel resumed its preparation for the upcoming season slated Jan. 13, although management briefed the players before practice of the trade.

“We explained to them why the team got Terrence, and for them to hear it from management, and not what they read on newspapers or in social media,” said SMB team manager Gee Abanilla.

“It’s not fair to judge a person based on what they read. It’s a fresh start for us, for Terrence. So we decided to talk to the players first before he (Romeo) starts training with the team,” added Abanilla.

Chemistry is one of the issues critics are throwing as San Miguel coach Leo Austria’s main problem. However, Arwind Santos vowed to be the first to tell Romeo if things are going wrong.

“Ka-Tamaraw e,” said Santos, who like Romeo is a former Far Eastern U Tamaraw.

SMB will have a team-building on Sunday in Tagaytay City.