Master of whistle

Romy Guevara will always be known as the country's basketball officiating guru with over 40 years of experience running the hardcourt.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

Romy Guevara will always be known as the country's basketball officiating guru with over 40 years of experience running the hardcourt. He's now 88 and still accessible to share insights on how the game should be called.

Last Christmas Day, Romy phoned for his traditional holiday greeting and dropped a reminder that if anyone needs a clarification on basketball rules, he's just a call away.

Guevara was named outstanding referee in the PBA's precursor MICAA, PABL, UAAP, NCAA and other leagues. He served 15 years in the PBA as a referee, supervisor of officials and consultant. For six years, Guevara earned big bucks as an expat supervisor with the Qatar Basketball Federation and paved the way for the late Moying Martelino to join as director.