EASL: Terrence Romeo benching in San Miguel loss to Suwon KT explained

Wondering why Terrence Romeo did not see action for the San Miguel Beermen in the 87-81 loss to Suwon KT Sonicboom in their East Asia Super League opener?

Initially, head coach Jorge Gallent said it could be because the flamboyant guard had some issues with his passport.

Gallent reiterated he was not sure about it, though.

“I think he has problems with his passport. I have no idea. I think he submitted his passport just today,” Gallent said after the match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, October 2.

[RELATED STORY: Jorge Gallent unbothered by Quincy Miller’s measly output in San Miguel's loss to Suwon KT]

One Sports reached out to San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla on the same day to shed light on Romeo’s DNP (Did Not Play) status.

Abanilla said Romeo did submit his passport on time.

“No problem naman sa passport si Terrence at kahapon (October 1) ko pa nakuha 'yun, on time for the deliberation sa technical meeting this morning,” Abanilla told One Sports via text message.

The amiable official then offered a different reason for his benching.

“Nasabit lang siya kanina sa traffic going here (MOA Arena) at coach’s decision lang siguro yung hindi siya nakalaro,” he added.

Only Romeo and Rodney Brondial did not see action for the Beermen in a game EJ Anosika erupted for 34 points.

[ALSO READ: Injury-hit Heo Hoon backstops Rayshaun Hammonds in Suwon KT's win over San Miguel in EASL]

Assistant coach Ato Agustin called the shots for most of the match since Gallent is still feeling under the weather.

“I wasn’t supposed to come here. I got a call from coach Al (Chua) [that] I just have to come and support and help the team even if I’m sick,” Gallent said.

San Miguel will quickly shift its focus on the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals against Converge.