With ABL title, Mikee keeps winning streak

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots’ title romp in the recent Asean Basketball League stretched Mikee Romero’s string of victories to 10 with the sportsman/businessman keen on going for the big one.

Cage observers actually had thought Romero would slow down after retiring Harbour Centre last year and introducing an entirely new team in the PBL, which Harbour dominated for years.

But Romero proved them wrong.

Not only did he produce another champion in the Oracle Titans but also in the Patriots, who swept Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma in their best-of-five title series for the inaugural ABL crown recently.

Those brought his total championships to 10, making him the most successful team owner in amateur basketball in recent years.

“Honestly, I did not expect to win 10 championships since all I want is to give my rivals a fierce competition,” said Romero, who co-owns the RP Patriots with businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco. “But all these championships were not given on a silver platter. We worked hard to win them.”

After losing two straight games late in the ABL elims, Romero and team manager Erick Arejola decided to bring in former PBA Best Import winner Gabe Freeman to reinforce the team. The move clicked as the Patriots swept their next seven games to become the first ABL champion team.

Romero’s two other international titles were the SEABA Club championship and the Thailand SEA Games which his team both won in 2007, the year he completed a Grand Slam.

“That was perhaps my best year in Philippine basketball because I won four titles, including two in the PBL,” said Romero.

After winning its sixth straight PBL titles, Romero used the name of the other company his family owned - Oracle Residences - in the PBL. After struggling early, the Titans won the franchise’s seventh title by beating Pharex in the PBL Unity Cup.

Despite his success the last five years, Romero is still longing for a big one.

“I’m still dreaming of having my own team in the PBA, and I hope I will realize it while I’m still young,” said the 38-year-old Romero.