Coming of Age: Romeo anchors GlobalPort win streak

MANILA, Philippines -- Terrence Romeo’s hardwork during the offseason is paying handsome dividends for GlobalPort.

At the tender age of 22, the 5-foot-10 Romeo has taken the lead role for the young GlobalPort franchise in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Playing with a renewed confidence this conference under rookie coach Eric Gonzales, Romeo stood at the forefront of GlobalPort’s 2-0 charge last week with averages of 24.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists to pump life to the Batang Pier’s playoff chances.

The former Far Eastern University star dropped 25 points, while pairing well with new import Calvin Warner to steer GlobalPort to a runaway 99-81 spanking of Barako Bull.

Four days later, Romeo triggered GlobalPort’s second-quarter tear as the Batang Pier rolled past the skidding Blackwater Elite, 101-78.

The twin victories pole vaulted GlobalPort to a share of fifth spot with defending champion Purefoods Star at 4-3.

While fans marvel at Romeo’s maturity in just his sophomore season in the PBA, the young GlobalPort stalwart said his newfound confidence has a lot to do with the leadership Warner provides for the three-year-old PBA franchise.

“Para sa akin, confidence lang talaga saka, si Calvin, sobrang dami na niyang nalaruan. Beterano na siya, and very vocal siya kasi sinasabi niya, dito ka malilibre, or sa pick and roll, gamitin mo ako, kasi bantay ko ganito,” shared Romeo, who was named the Accel-PBA Press Corps. Player of the Week for the period of February 16-22.

As of Sunday, Romeo has emerged as the tournament’s top local scorer with his 22.2 points per game average, with two-time PBA scoring champion Gary David of Meralco not far behind with his 19.8 points.