USC to face USJ-R in opener

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano basketball legend Julian Macoy will have his baptism of fire as head coach of the University of San Carlos (USC) when the Warriors go up against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in the opener of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 12 on July 29 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Macoy, who made history in the local hoopdom for churning out the most points scored in a single game, will fill in the shoes left by Mike Reyes, who is now assistant to Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba at the Southwestern University Cobras.

The pride of Dumanjug south of Cebu breached the century mark on two occasions during his heydays as collegiate star of the USC reen and Gold Warriors from 1955 to 1961.

In his rookie year in 1957, Macoy unloaded 101 points in a game against Cebu Normal School (now Cebu Normal University). The following year, he made another record that is still unsurpassed until today when he amassed 126 points in a game against the Cebu School of Arts and Trades (now Cebu Technological University).

CESAFI commissioner Felix "Boy" O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. said they will kick off the new season early so they would be able to finish it by September.

"We will kick off the 12th CESAFI season with the usual pomp and pageantry highlighted by the Grand Palabas on July 29. We are starting it early because our target is to finish it by September," said Tiukinhoy during the coaches' meeting yesterday at the USJ-R Conference Room.

The same rules and regulations will be applied except for some amendments including the two-year residency rule that will take effect this season. However, those who have already served a one-year residency last year will be allowed to see action.

Also, players who have had a stint in the PBA D-League are barred from playing in the CESAFI.

The tournament follows a single round robin format in the elimination round. The top seed will gain an outright entry into the semifinals, while the second to seventh qualifiers will proceed into the quarterfinals where teams 2, 3 and 4 enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage over the lower ranked squads.

The winners will join the No.1 team in the semis where they play another round robin. The top two will then slug it out for the championship in a best-of-five series. The battle for third place is a best-of-three affair.

Meanwhile, CESAFI Chairman of the Board and USJ-R president Rev. Fr. Enrico Peter Silab, OAR has egged on all the concerned parties to work hand in hand for another successful staging of the premiere school-based cage league in Cebu.

Silab also admonished the coaches and other team officials to be more patient and understanding in dealing with certain issues that may crop up during the course of the competition.

 "We must solve issues with open mind and heart. Mind can't do it alone because our mind needs our heart.

Let us not make our own interpretations of the rules because that will only create chaos. We should set aside our differences. Let us show to everyone that we play as one," said Silab.

"If there are some mistakes or lapses in judgment on the part of the referees, let us not commit violent reactions. Let us be more understanding. In that manner, we will enjoy the game more. Let us work together for another successful CESAFI season," Silab added. (FREEMAN)