Chiang Kai Shek returns to Cebu after 48 years

CEBU, Philippines - Were you already born in 1966? If the answer is no, then here’s some interesting news. Chiang Kai Shek College, currently the country’s top high school basketball team, is returning to Cebu after an absence of 48 years. After coming to Cebu in 1966, the CKSC basketball is back for a goodwill tour that will include a mix of activities that is organized by the CKSC Alumni Association Cebu Chapter with the goal of promoting the school in the region, strengthening ties and developing socio-civic awareness for the team.

This was relayed by CKSC Alumni Association Cebu Chapter President Tony Dy and Past President Jimmy Yap, who was part of the CKSC team that made that historical trip in 1966. “We are happy to announce that we are bringing in the national champions Chiang Kai Shek basketball team to Cebu to play against top Cebu teams and also for socio-civic/outreach purposes. This is a total trip for them: play games, R&R and conduct outreach activities,” Dy said.

The team arrives today and will meet the CKSC Alumni Association Cebu Chapter and the media over dinner at the Tao Yuan Restaurant at J Centre Mall. They are led by coach Goldwin Monteverde, Seaoil NBTC National Finals MVP JV Gallego, NU-bound Mohammad Al-Yousuf Salim and Cebuano Shannon Gagate (formerly of USC).

CKSC plays the University of San Carlos  Juniors team at 2:00 pm tomorrow at the USC Main Gym. They will then play Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu  at 3:00 pm on Saturday at the Magis Eagles Arena in Canduman, Mandaue.

Saturday morning will be spent for a special basketball clinic for underprivileged students at the Lux Oriens Gym of SHS-AdC. The CKSC coaching staff and players will conduct the clinic and will also give away freebies to the participants. This is done in partnership with DepEd-Mandaue and SHS-AdC.

On Sunday, the team will conduct a feeding program at the Community Scouts Youth Guidance Center, an orphanage in Duljo. Fr. Jerome Cayetano, SVD, will serve as host and a Holy Mass will also be celebrated.

Yap still recalls their trip in 1966 where they faced and won over Cebu Eastern College and San Miguel in exhibition games. Among the CEC players he remembers include the ageless Tuko Tan, William Yu (grandfather of current Philippine Under 18 team captain Dave Yu and father of former local cager Wilson Yu), and PBA veteran Yoyong Martirez. Yap also said that the San Miguel team featured the Cabahug brothers. Both Cebu teams were coached by Imong Bas. “It’s about time that Chiang Kai Shek returned to Cebu, and we’re so glad to work with them,” Yap proudly declared.

The CKSC basketball team is acknowledged as the country’s best team in the country today. They recently won the national championship of the Seaoil NBTC League where both USC and SHS-AdC also played. The CKSC Passerelle team, some of whom are with the Juniors team, also won the national championship of the BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament sponsored by Milo. They defeated USC in the championship game. The CKSC Juniors team also topped the Metro Manila Basketball League and the Fil-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation. (FREEMAN)