Six USC players disqualified only nine Warriors allowed to see action in CESAFI Season 10

CEBU, Philippines - Even before the 10th season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. could formally start, the championship campaign of the University of San Carlos (USC) was already dealt with a big blow after six of its players were disqualified by the CESAFI Board from seeing action in Cebu’s premiere collegiate basketball league due to different infractions of the CESAFI by-laws.

Commissioner Felix “Boy” O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. said that USC’s 15-man roster was pruned down to only nine after finding out that some of its cagers did not meet the pertinent requirements set forth in the league rules and regulations.

Tiukinhoy said the decision was approved by the CESAFI Board during its meeting recently at Tin Gao Restaurant of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The Warriors who have been reduced to mere cheerleaders in the upcoming CEFASI Season 10 are Jacquines Andrew Bautista, Mel Steven Duran, Nicolas Kyl Magat, Tejay Napolitano, Edward Bakker, and Alfie Amarante.

The nine cagers left to carry the heavy load for the Warriors are Joven Cid Cortes, Sam Jordan Hermosa, Carl Miko Santos, Chino Uy, Jr., June Michael Cantonao, Robert Gines Codilla, Nilton John Otida, Mark Gil Panerio and Giovanni Padillo, who is currently in the injured list.

As stated in his letter to USC athletic director Bro. Rolando Sanchez, SVD and head coach Mike Reyes, Tiukinhoy explained that Bautista has no certification submitted from the chair or dean or registrar that no subjects can be enrolled due to it is a pre-requisite.

Duran and Magat failed to reach the required passing percentage in their academic grades, Napolitano has only enrolled in 12 units (three short as stipulated in the CESAFI rulebook) during the previous semester, Bakker has already exceeded the seven-year period alloted for every player in the league, while Amarante submitted a document that is not official from the school for purposes of transfer.

When pressed for his comment, USC assistant coach Ryan Betia said they hope that the CESAFI Board will reconsider its decision but Tiukinhoy believes it is already final and executory.

“I think it’s already final because the CESAFI Board has decided on the matter. The appeal of USC has also been discussed and it’s up to them on how to deal with it,” Tiukinhoy told The FREEMAN. 

“I think the reponsible person of the school (concerned), who is supposed to check on the records of their players before submitting it to the CESAFI for screening, did not do his job,” added Tiukinhoy, as if insinuating who’s to blame on this USC glitch without naming names.    

Meanwhile, eveything is already in place for the grand opening of the CESAFI Season 10 this Saturday aftrenoon at the Cebu Coliseum carrying the theme “Power and Dominance.” (FREEMAN)