Terrence Romeo made his debut for Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Terrence Romeo played his first game back in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup since being traded by San Miguel to Terrafirma at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday.
However, in Dyip’s close 89-84 loss at the hands of Magnolia, Romeo played sparingly as if he’s still not completely healed from the injury that held back his debut for Terrafirma.
“I was really just careful during this game. My mind was focused on taking care of myself first for a bit. There’s [always] that feeling where you think you’re all okay until something bad happens again and I don’t want that,” Romeo explained in Filipino.
“Maybe in the next game, I’ll raise my intensity and feel out my body more but it’ll be up to coach Raymond (Tiongco) about my playing time.”
Terrafirma guards Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo. –MARLO INQUIRER.net
Fresh off a right calf injury a few months back, Romeo played for just 13 minutes in his anticipated debut for Terrafirma.
The former Beermen was obviously feeling out his game as he finished with just three points and two assists in the loss that saw the Dyip crash to their ninth straight loss.
READ: PBA: Terrence Romeo faces minutes management after injury
With just three games remaining in the import-laden conference, Romeo said his minutes may improve depending on how his body reacts during the grind.
“I’m already healthy. I guess it’s my timing in-game that’s lacking and hopefully, like I’ve been telling my teammates and coaches, I will get it back in a few games,” said Romeo.
“I don’t want to rush it. It’s hard because it’s been a while since I played 5-on-5. I don’t want to go all-out right away, I just wanted to feel the court today… My condition is okay, I’m at 80-90 percent conditioning-wise but game-wise, I’m still pretty far.”
Romeo hopes to see more action on Wednesday against Blackwater at the same venue.