Terrence Romeo and the rest of Terrafirma are tuning out the distractions of the ongoing negotiations about the franchise’s sale as they remain focused on their campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.
Although the news of the ballclub’s sale to Starhorse Shipping Lines has brought uncertainties, it’s business as usual for the Dyip.
“That’s part of life for players. Sometimes other players get shipped to other teams,” Romeo said after Terrafirma defeated Phoenix 95-87 for a rousing start Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 33-year-old guard added that as professionals, they have a job to fulfill.
“If a new management takes over, then we’ll play under Starhorse. But right now, we are here for Terrafirma,” said Romeo, who was traded by San Miguel Beer to the Dyip in November last year.
Romeo delivered the goods in grounding the Fuel Masters, pouring 14 of his 17 points in a third quarter storm that gave Terrafirma a 20-point lead heading into the payoff period.
When Phoenix rallied to bring down its deficit to just 10, Romeo nailed a cold-blooded trey with 2:42 remaining in the game to secure the win.
“We are in the moment where we’re still Terrafirma. So, we have to give our best every game for the team,” Romeo said.
“We’ll just think about what will happen in the future after we’ve finished our moment (as Terrafirma).”
Meanwhile, Dyip team governor Bobby Rosales kept mum on the sale and told reporters that only the PBA has the authority to disclose details of the franchise’s status at the end of the All-Filipino conference.
Head coach Raymund Tiongco reminded his men that the show must go on regardless of the outcome of the sale negotiations.
“I told them to stay positive and just their best. If there’s going to be a change in management, they still have to play because that their job,” he said.
“We’ll have a positive approach in each game.”