Not yet in top shape but Romeo raring to help Gilas in Taipei

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

After missing the first two windows of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers, Terrence Romeo is raring to represent the Philippines again.

Romeo, who was previously sidelined by a knee injury, hasn’t seen action for Gilas Pilipinas since the 2017 Fiba Asia Cup in Lebanon nearly a year ago

“Actually I’m a bit nervous because I’m still not at 100 percent. I came back to help the team out, I want to play international basketball again. We’ll see what happens, but I’ll give my best,” Romeo told ESPN5.

The 26-year-old guard was part of the 15-man pool which arrived in Taiwan on Monday.

The final lineup is yet to be announced but without point guards Kiefer Ravena, who is serving an 18-month suspension for doping, and Kevin Alas, who is still recovering from an ACL injury, Gilas needs another guard like Romeo to fill in.

Romeo is up for the challenge.

“I want to help in any way I can even though I am not as fit as I was before. But Jayson (Castro) will be there. Once you follow coach Chot’s system, you’ll get opportunities. Andray (Blatche) will also be there [to lift the squad],” Romeo said in the same interview.

The Philippines takes on Chinese Taipei on Friday, 7 p.m., at Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.