That is precisely how M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers coach and Cebu City Councilor Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba wants to start the new year.
With this, Alcoseba is set to hold a try-out for M. Lhuillier and two other Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) teams on January 3 at 11 am at the Cebu Coliseum.
After their heart-breaking loss to Gensan Pacman of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao in the finals of MVBA Pre-Season Tournament last Monday, Alcoseba has practically disbanded his team by placing all his players on a free-agent status until January 15.
"I'm holding a try-out to scout for fresh talents and eventually form an all-Cebuano team. Through this, I will also know those who are still worthy to be part of M. Lhuillier team," said Alcoseba.
Among the Cebuano mainstays of the multi-titled M. Lhuillier Jewelers are Danny Aying, Aldrin Ocañada, Woodrow Enriquez, Enrico Llanto, Vermini Tangarorang, Champion Canoneo, and Jayford Rodriguez.
Leodi Garcia, Jessie Lumantas, Alano Caputolan, Marlon Piodo, and James Laygo played here during their collegiate days, but they all hail from Mindanao. Leo Bat-og is from Bacolod City, while Carlos is a native of Iloilo.
Alcoseba said the primary objective of MVBA is to let all its players suit up for their respective home teams.
"We formed this league to give our players in Vis-Min region the needed exposure because most of them don't get a chance to play in the PBL. To make the tournament more exciting, we're encouraging all the MVBA teams to form a lineup featuring their homegrown talents," said Alcoseba.
Alcoseba said collegiate standouts are invited to join the try-outs as well as other aspiring hoopsters hoping to try their luck in MVBA.
In head-hunting for promising hoopsters capable of forming a solid lineup for M. Lhuillier, Alcoseba will be assisted by his five subordinates in Mike Reyes, Eddie Ybañez, Willie Generalao, Tata Merced, and Fredo Enriquez.
Aside from Cebu City, Alcoseba said they will also conduct tryouts in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, which have sent feelers to join MVBA's fold.
For further details on the tryout, interested parties may call Alcoseba's office at 255-8873 and look for Willy.
Meanwhile, the inaugural MVBA season will kick-off with the Mindanao Conference battle on February 11 in Iligan City.
Aside from Gensan Pacman and Ozamiz Cotta, other teams in Mindanao joining the MVBA are Misamis Oriental of governor Oscar Moreno, Iligan Crusaders, Mayor's Squad of Digos, Davao del Sur, Davao Eagles of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and Bukidnon's Valencia Golden Harvest.
Surigao and Dipolog have yet to confirm their entries.
In Visayas, among those which have already sent feelers to take part in MVBA are Cebu Province, Lapu-Lapu City, Bogo, Cebu, Ormoc City, and Dumaguete City.