Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—There’s nothing like the first time and winning a maiden championship isn’t any different.
Just ask San Miguel Beer’s trio of Terrence Romeo, Christian Standhardinger and Kelly Nabong, who celebrated their first PBA title on Wednesday night.
“Sobrang saya. Hindi ko ma-express yung feeling. Pero siguro sa lahat ng bagay, yung first talaga pinakamasarap eh. Kahit saan, kahit pagkabata mo yung una talaga yung pinakamasarap,” said Romeo after the Beermen escaped the Magnolia Hotshots, 72-71, in Game 7 of the 2019 Philippine Cup Finals at Araneta Coliseum.
“First championship ko simula nung naging basketball player ako. Sa barangay lang ako nagchampion. Simula high school, college, PBA D-League days. Ito yung unang championship ko at PBA ko nakuha. Sobrang saya.”
The 27-year-old Romeo played in his first finals series ever in his just first conference as a member of San Miguel after disappointing stints with GlobalPort and TNT that ended in nasty splits.
Standhardinger, the Fil-German big man, and Nabong, who has embraced the role of enforcer, were just as overwhelmed by the moment especially with Game 7 coming down to the last second before determining the winner.
“It feels amazing. I’m very happy we made it. June Mar did a great job, the starting five did a great job and I hope we keep this up next conference,” said Standhardinger, referring to June Mar Fajardo, who scored 17 points and set the PBA local record with 31 rebounds. “I feel bad about Magnolia, they had a great fight and they did a great job.”
“I still can’t believe it. Man, it’s a hell of a feeling. I can’t wait to feel it again,” said Nabong.