Jarencio confident GlobalPort is ready despite Romeo’s absence

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio isn’t batting an eyelash when asked about Terrence Romeo’s continued absence as the star guard recovers from his knee injury.

“There’s no problem. If he’s not here, we as a team is ready. We want him to be ready once he fully recovers from his injury,” the affable Jarencio said in Filipino.

Romeo is still nursing a knee contusion that sidelined him late last season and also forced him to miss Gilas Pilipinas’ first two games in the 2019 Fiba World Cup qualifiers last November.

He is set to return to the team by January, which means the Batang Pier will only miss the former FEU stalwart for one game — their Christmas Day clash with NLEX at Philippine Arena.

Jarencio is confident GlobalPort can still manage despite the absence of the reigning Scoring Champion.

“If Terrence comes back three weeks from now, we’re still okay because he still needs to get his conditioning back.”

Romeo averaged 23.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this past season.

Jarencio also has faith in the team’s supporting cast to get the job done.

“All the players are ready, so when Terrence returns, he’s going to be a big boost for us. But regardless (of the situation), we’re ready,” he said.