MANILA, Philippines – A young team like Terrafirma is in desperate need of battle-hardened players like Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel.
And the Dyip need their two newest additions as soon as possible after Romeo and Manuel both failed to suit up in a 116-87 defeat to Converge in the opening game of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, November 27.
Romeo, who watched the game in street clothes, sat out due to an injury, while Manuel did not see action due to an illness.
But Terrafirma interim coach Raymond Tiongco has his fingers crossed that the two would be available when the Dyip shoot for a bounce-back win against NorthPort at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday, November 30.
“Hopefully, I can use them on Saturday because I really need veterans who can control the game,” said Tiongco. “Hopefully, they practice.”
Romeo and Manuel were acquired by the Dyip just days before the start of the conference as the PBA approved their trade from San Miguel in exchange for Juami Tiongson and Andres Cahilig on Monday, November 25.
The two boast of decade-long careers in the league.
Picked fifth overall in the 2013 draft, Romeo — who is a three-time Scoring Champion and a two-time Mythical Team member — helped the Beermen capture three championships.
Meanwhile, 2012 draftee Manuel has played for successful squads, reaching the finals five times with Alaska and winning two titles with San Miguel.
Their experience would come in handy for the Dyip, whose roster consists of four rookies in Mark Nonoy, CJ Catapusan, Paolo Hernandez, and Didat Hanapi, and four sophomores in Kemark Carino, Louie Sangalang, Brent Paraiso, and Tommy Olivario.
“Veteran leadership,” said Tiongco when asked what he expects from Romeo and Manuel. “We want them to teach our rookies.”
“It is a young team. I should probably be more patient with them. But when Terrence and Vic come, they will be a big help to us.”
Terrafirma is coming off a forgettable campaign in the season-opening Governors’ Cup, where it finished with a 1-9 record. – Rappler.com