Even before he played his first game for GlobalPort, import Murphy Holloway is already aware of the hype surrounding Terrence Romeo.
And after making his PBA debut, the new Batang Pier import is convinced.
“I’ve never met Romeo, but I guess he’s the real Romeo for girls,” Holloway told sportswriters. “I’ve been hearing, Romeo, damn. I didn’t know him. But now, I can see why. He’s a big deal.”
Holloway had a solid first outing in the Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup, scoring 29 points and 26 rebounds and helping his team get the win.
Romeo, on the other hand, exploded for 21 points to impress Holloway who is optimistic about Batang Pier’s chances this conference.
“I love them. We’ve got a bunch of shooters. When I get double-teamed, you can just throw it out,” added Holloway. “I think we’ve got some great pieces, man.”
PBA imports usually harp on how physical Philippine basketball is, but no import in this tournament knows that term more than Holloway.
After playing basketball for University of Mississippi, Holloway had a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League.
GlobalPort coach Franz Pumaren said Holloway’s style of play is what the Batang Pier needs from an import.
“Sanay sa tulukan,” Pumaren said. “Looks like he’s the kind of import we need, a player who is expert in pushing people around. He’s a former NFL player. He’s big, but he’s agile. He used to run with the running back.”
Even Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia marveled at Holloway: “Now, they have an import who is like a Eugene Phelps, an Allen Durham and an Aaron Fuller. It’s the first time we played an import who’s also big, who can match up with Eugene, they can cancel each other out in scoring and rebounding.”
Holloway said his short NFL experience helped him become a better basketball player.
“Transition is easy because I played basketball first,” added Holloway. “The NFL got me because of my size, speed and quickness. Playing in the NFL, it helps you. Getting hit everyday by tough line backers, all the guys. Getting hit in basketball is softer.”
Holloway, who previously turned down offers from PBA teams, is liking his experience so far in the Philippines.
“I’ve heard about it (PBA). Arizona Reid, we’re from the same place. I had a few offers from the Philippines and I’ve always turned them down. Charles Rhodes, one of my great friends, told me to ‘go, just try it’. He won the championship this year. It’s fun. I like it, the people, the hospitality. There’s a lot of American restaurants, so it’s like home. It’s great,” Holloway said.
