The Nationals continue their regional bout with the quadrennial Asian Games set in Hangzhou, China in their crosshairs. While several depart for their foreign clubs come the late-September tournament, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) looks to acquire program veterans Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo to supplement their hopeful podium contention—a reunion five years in the making.
San Miguel Corporation’s Sports Director Alfrancis Chua broke the news to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) standouts, as both cagers expressed their gratitude towards the opportunity.
Following the scandalous 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifier brawl, the Federation sanctioned multiple participants from international fixtures, including Abueva (six games) and Romeo (three games). As a result, Gilas’ promising tandem departed from the program indefinitely.
Notorious for his on-court antics and unrivaled athleticism, a 35-year-old Abueva was in disbelief at the callback. Despite his uncertain future in the program (considering the absence of his name in SBP’s 60-player submission in July), Interim Head Coach Tim Cone places his faith in the Magnolia Hotshots’ forward if allowed to play, acknowledging his presence as Gilas’ “huge energy guy.”
San Miguel Beermen’s Terrence Romeo channels an elite-level arsenal come his previous international tourneys. Captured through his isolation expertise and scoring ability off-screens, he fits adequately into Cone’s versatile structure.
