Road to the big league

I would like to remind all alumni and friends of De la Salle-Andres Soriano Memorial School to attend tomorrow’s homecoming at the school campus in Barangay DAS (Lutopan), Toledo City.

One of the highlights of the day will be the formation of a human La Sallian Star.

Activities will start at 8 a.m. and those who would like to know more details can contact DLS ASMC at (032) 325 2026.

This is a chance to sing the alma mater song once again with fellow La Sallians.

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At least two former Cebu-based players have been mentioned among the top rookies to watch in the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball tournament.

Among those mentioned in the article were Kris Porter of Ateneo and Henry Asilum of the University of the Philippines.

Both Porter and Asilum played for Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in high school.

At 6-5, Porter plays the role of a big man while the 5-7 Asilum, who was part of the Philippine under-16 team that captured the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) crown, shall help man the back-court for coach Ricky Dandan.

There are other players from Cebu, who are now with the schools in Manila and we can look forward to seeing them play for their teams next season.

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Playing for schools in Manila has always been a better ticket to the big league for basketball players.

Although there were many who made it to the PBA without playing for schools in Manila, the number has been dwindling the past years.

Among the great PBA players who came from Cebu schools were Ramon ‘El Presidente’ Fernandez, Elmer ‘Boy’ Cabahug, Al Solis, Isabelo ‘Jojo’ Lastimosa, and Dondon Hontiveros.

One reason why those from Manila schools have the edge could be the level of competition in the Big City and the presence of more opportunities to play in more tournaments.

The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) is doing a good job of making sure only those qualified can play in their tournament.

What Cebu needs now is a stronger local commercial league that can help bring out the best of our players if we want to see them become professional ballplayers in the future.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings to Analee Duran-Flores, Tony Esmero, Redempta ‘Dimple’ Enriquez-Macias, Dennis Pastor, Katrina Balmaceda, and Haydee Belleza, who are all turning a year older today.

Advance greetings to those celebrating tomorrow like Albuen Bejar and my mistah Lt. Col. Lloyd Cabacuñgan of the Philippine Air Force.

More power to all of you!