MANILA, Philippines — Ismael Romero’s Meralco stint is not ending in the East Asia Super League (EASL).
The controversial big man will serve as the Bolts’ reinforcement for the coming PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup next month, continuing a tour of duty with Meralco after a foiled playoff bid in the EASL Season 3.
Coach Luigi Trillo and active consultant Nenad Vucinic made the choice, impressed by the Puerto Rican since last year despite the Bolts’ early exit in the EASL following a tough 88-79 home defeat to the top-ranked Ryukyu Golden Kings Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Coach Nenad said he will play for us,” said Trillo.
Expectations are huge from the 34-year-old ace, who has barnstormed the world but with some trouble – including one while with Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya in the Dubai International Basketball Championship a few weeks back.
He came under fire after kicking former PBA player Nick Demusis of the Zamboanga Valientes twice in an ugly incident.
Romero was ejected from the game as Tripoli ran away with a 110-103 win to eliminate Zamboanga.
Romero’s act left a bad taste in the mouth especially among the Filipinos, including Rain or Shine mentor Yeng Guiao and Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who call for a resolution to the said incident even before Romero is considered to play in the PBA.
The Games and Amusement Board (GAB), the country’s professional sport regulating body, in fact has launched an inquiry on the incident.