By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas interim head coach Tim Cone expects Terrence Romeo to make a big impact in his return to national team duty for the upcoming Asian Games.
The multi-titled mentor doesn’t see any problem on how Romeo would adjust and fit to the system, noting that an offensive talent such as the San Miguel Beer guard will surely have a place in the national team.
“I think he’ll fit really, really well in what we want to do,” Cone said of Romeo, whose upcoming Asiad stint marks his return to the national team after five years.
He played under coaches Tab Baldwin and Chot Reyes where he became one of Gilas’ potent offensive threats, something Cone expects him to also provide this time around.
“We’re not gonna be an isolation type team and you would think that we don’t want Terrence. (But) Terrence is a really good breakdown guy and he’s a great spot up and come off screens type of player so I think we can use his offensive skills,” added the multi-titled mentor
Romeo, for his part, is willing to do everything to help the team and repay the trust of Cone.
“Kailangan kong mag-fit in sa sistema ni coach Tim kasi magkakaiba ang sistema ng mga coaches. So kung ano yung role na kailangan kong gampanan, yun ang kailangan kong gawin,” said Romeo.
The challenge, however, for Romeo, aside from familiarizing himself to the system of Cone, is adjusting to the international play – something he admitted he’s already not used to.
“Hindi ko na nga matandaan kung ano ‘yung pakiramdam nung naglalaro sa international (tournament). Parang rookie ako ulit,” said Romeo.
“Pero yung kumpiyansa and experience ko, lagi lang nandiyan. ‘Yung feeling lang na maglaro ulit at magsuot ng Gilas jersey, parang rookie lang yung pakiramdam kasi sobrang tagal na,” he added.
Cone also added that aside from the offensive prowess of the 31-year-old guard, he also expects him to flourish on the defensive end with Gilas.
“He’s always been a willing defender. We just felt like if he’s put in a very good defensive system he can play good defense so we’re excited about Terrence. I think he’s gonna impact us big time,” stressed Cone.
