William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was a story above love conquering all things- even death. Shakespeare was, for all intents and purposes, a conflicted soul whose art has been far less what reality has painted his persona to be. He is, without question, one of the greatest writers- and artists, mankind has ever known.
Zoom to 2011, and zoom to something (almost) completely detached from prose- basketball. Zero in on the UAAP Finals, and while you're at it, fall in line and check out what there is to check out about Far Eastern University's on court dynamo, Terence Romeo.
The 2009 UAAP Juniors MVP is a doubled edged sword. What's so special about 6.1 ppg, 23% shooting, and 3 turnovers per game at the end of Season 74's opening round? Nothing, really, but watching this 19 year old kid live made a believer in two key components of Romeo's game. Romeo's got raw talent, so raw that his mentor Bert Flores has, at times, had no other recourse but to shake his head after an ill-advised transition 3-ball attempt, or, a botched drive against multiple defenders. Romeo takes these shots because he BELIEVES that he can carry the team's fortunes on his shoulders. His hair is a poor man's DO of former FEU Tamaraw Benedict Fernandez's crowning glory, a "Super Saiyan" look, as many would think of it. The boy's also got tons of heart, by the way, and while the whole "possession of heart" concept is often a burnt out cliche which pundits like to dub as a consolation prize for those who comes so close to winning it all, but come up short in the end.
Romeo's a perfect compliment to the often under control RR Garcia. His 13.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 3.4 APG in the second round has put the league on notice. In FEU's do or die game against the Adamson Falcons, Romeo stifled Falcons defenders with his uncanny ability to do change ups off the dribble, and he also kept defenses honest with his improved jump shooting. In a UAAPSports.Com interview, Terence admitted to idolizing Willie Miller and former UE Red Warrior James Yap. Like Miller before him, Romeo's akin to being a whirling dervish on the hardwood. Seemingly impossible forays to the hoop bear fruit with Romeo, who, in this writer's humble opinion, may one day win UAAP MVP, should his ascent continue.
On September 24, Game 1 of the UAAP Finals commences at the Big Dome. I've said it many repeatedly- the hopes of an FEU upset may rest on veterans Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia, but then, whether they get there without all too many hitches, lose altogether, or land smoothly upon the victory's lofty hills is contingent upon Romeo playing with his head, his heart, or with a steady diet of both.
Maybe Johnny Abarrientos being on FEU's coaching staff has gotten to Terence, and if indeed he has, the young guard's best days may yet be ahead of him.
Where is Terence Romeo? He's right here, sports fans. He has arrived- and it sure looks like he isn't going anywhere, and it seems like he's set to thrill us for many a UAAP season to come.
MC
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