PRESENT vs. future. FEU vs. FEU. Terrence Romeo vs. RJ Abarrientos.
It’s a matchup that’s truly a delight to watch for basketball fans in general - and an honor for the 25-year-old Abarrientos on a personal note, considering Romeo has been a long-time idol of him.
“Kasi napapanood ko lang siya before sa UAAP, hanggang nag-start si kuya Terrence dito sa PBA career niya. High school pa lang (yata) ako nun or college,” recalled the Barangay Ginebra sensational rookie.
“Ngayon, mas nacha-challenge akong bantayan siya, iskoran siya, kasi idol ko yun ever since.”
And boy, Abarrientos was truly up to the task in Game 5 of the Governors' Cup semifinals between the Gin Kings and San Miguel, as he came through with a team-high 28 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while shooting 3-of-5 from three-point range in a 121-92 massacre of the Beermen at the Ynares Arena in Antipolo.
The 5-foot-11 guard did most of the damage at the expense of Romeo, including a breathtaking pass fake off the San Miguel guard before dishing a behind-the-back pass to a cutting Japeth Aguilar from the baseline.
The Ginebra big man went for a one-handed slam, but failed to convert after being fouled by June Mar Fajardo.
It’s not exactly showing off on the part of the freshman guard, and rather, just his way of proving he can also compete against the best like his fellow FEU alumnus.
“Si kuya Terrence, one of the best players na naglaro sa FEU. My idol, of course,” said Abarrientos. “Trabaho lang. Yun yung respeto na sinasabi ko.”
Romeo, 32, was held to just two points during the game on 1-of-7 shooting from the floor.
But he did have his moment during the best-of-seven series when he went 5-of-5 from beyond the arc to finish with 26 points in a 131-125 overtime win where Abarrientos was held to just four points.
'Flying RJ's' immediate impact
The Gin Kings now lead the series, 3-2, and another win means a first-ever PBA finals stint for Abarrientos right in his rookie conference.
He vowed to be all business again, as he vies for personal glory, unfortunately, at the expense of his idol.
But it’s all part of the work, Abarrientos stressed.
“Pagdating sa court, professional tayo. Walang friend, walang kaibigan,” he said with a straight face. “Just like Japeth and June Mar. Ang tagal nilang nagsama sa Gilas, pero pagdating sa semis, pagdating sa trabaho, pagdating sa professional, siguro wala munang kaibi-kaibigan.”
Game 6 is set Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A Game 7 if necessary, will be played Wednesday also at the Big Dome.
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