Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Missing Gilas Pilipinas’ duty anew in its game against Japan on Sunday, Terrence Romeo admitted that the itch to play for the national team never wavers, especially after the home squad fell behind 4-20 early.
“I always feel that [I want to play], especially when I watch the games. I always want to help the team,” he admitted in Filipino.
But if there’s one thing he knew donning that national tri-colors, it’s that he can always trust the ones on the floor.
Romeo never doubted his teammates as the Philippines went on to claim the 89-84 victory over the Akatsuki Five to move to the second round of the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers.
“My trust in the team is always there. I know that they won’t give up that easily. All of them already has the experience,” he said.
Romeo’s belief never waned even after Japan made a belated run that cut what was once a 15-point lead down to just two, 86-84, with 31.5 seconds to play — especially when he saw who had the rock.
“I saw that kuya Jayson (Castro) had the ball. I wasn’t nervous when I saw he had the ball in that last possession,” he said as he even called Castro as the country’s savior.
Castro sank the game-clinching floater over Makoto Hiejima with 10.6 seconds remaining before Andray Blatche hit a free throw to put the game away.
“They really made me proud,” related the GlobalPort dribbler as Gilas Pilipinas qualified to the second round of the Asian qualifiers. “They delivered at a time where we really need them the most.”
The victory makes Romeo all the more excited to make his national team comeback as he seeks to be in tip-top shape for the third window, slated in June.
“I promise that I’ll be ready by that time,” he vowed as he continues his recovery from his knee contusion injury. “I can’t say that my return will be a big factor for the team, but all I want is to help the team.”
.@tbvromeo promises that he’ll be ready for Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/nSnFTGHYWG
— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) February 25, 2018
The Philippines takes on Chinese Taipei on June 29 in Taipei, before flying back home to try and avenge its loss against Australia on July 2 at Philippine Arena.