Basketball is brotherhood for Romeo, Hargrove

MANILA, Philippines — Terrence Romeo and Anthony Hargrove may have spent their early basketball careers a thousand miles away from each other, but they both knew a special bond was about to form from the very moment their roads crossed in Morayta for the UAAP.

Whenever people hear Romeo, the next player that comes into mind is RR Garcia as the two have starred to transform FEU into legitimate contenders each season.

But little do people know that the MVP candidate has formed a solid tie with one of his hardworking teammates: New Jersey native Anthony Hargrove.

Rappler.com spoke to the two Tamaraws on how they ended up as best buddies.

The spitfire guard recalled the their very first days together in practice, saying they had a little conflict, paving the way for something even more special.

“Nag-away pa kami sa practice niyan,” said Romeo. “Pero wala lang ‘yun. Magaling siya makisama e.”

Eventually, the one-two punch went on to become really close, especially when they became roommates for Season 75.

“We’re really close. We go out, eat, watch movies, he’s really a jokester,” Hargrove candidly said.

The American big man, who spent his high school career at the Pius X High School in Pennsylvania, learned more of FEU’s system from the more experienced Romeo. In exchange, Romeo would have some of Hargrove’s midnight snack.

“Mahilig ‘yan kumain especially midnight. Binibigyan niya ako ‘nun,” shared Romeo.

Brothers from the start

A testament to their unbreakable partnership happened mid-way through FEU’s double-overtime win over UE last week, when Romeo crumbled in pain after twisting his ankle from a bad fall.

Hargrove immediately went to Romeo and asked if he’s fine. Through the replay, he fumed at the fact that UE center Charles Mammie inserted his foot inside Romeo’s landing spot, which the UAAP commissioner eventually ruled as intentional.

Hargrove—as enraged as he was—had to be restrained by his other teammates and assistant coaches as he wanted to get back at Mammie, all for his best friend.

“We’re like brothers. When he went down, I knew how bad his ankle was,” said Hargrove after the match against the Red Warriors.

“When we saw the replay and what Mammie did, I wanted to retaliate as a teammate because that’s just wrong.”

Making atmosphere light

Romeo disclosed how Hargrove keeps his teammates laughing during practices, saying Hargrove makes the atmosphere light whenever he cracks jokes.

“Sa practices namin, seryoso. Tapos biglang magpapatawa si Anthony, mawawala yung pagkaseryoso ng training,” he elatedly said. “Palabiro siya at mabait.”

On the court, it’s business as usual for Romeo and Hargrove, providing FEU with the leadership and chemistry—things shaped by their sterling ties beyond the hardcourt.

Indeed, the two proved that more than a sport, basketball is a brotherhood. – Rappler.com