By Jonas Terrado
Coach Nash Racela is hopeful that the recent player acquisitions that included star guard Terrence Romeo would translate into positive results for TNT KaTropa, beginning with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup which starts on April 22.
TNT made headlines shortly after being eliminated by eventual Philippine Cup champion San Miguel in the quarterfinals by getting Romeo and center Yousef Taha from GlobalPort in exchange for Mo Tautuaa and two future draft picks, a deal that was finally consummated after weeks of talks.
Prior to getting Romeo, the KaTropa made a move to acquiring Don Trollano from Rain or Shine for center Norbert Torres – their second trade with the Elasto Painters after receiving Jericho Cruz in February.
Getting Romeo to help ease the huge scoring load carried by top star Jayson Castro has placed TNT with high expectations, particularly from no less than team owner Manny V. Pangilinan.
Pangilinan said in a recent public gathering that he’s looking forward to see TNT finally win its first championship since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup with Romeo around.
Racela, however, believes that it would not take just Romeo to make the KaTropa fulfill their big boss’ wishes.
“It’s always the team that gives you wins and losses. It’s always the team that gives you championships. As long as we put in the right pieces, it should give us a better chance,” said Racela.
