Isabelo, Ranido in for UV Lancers

CEBU, Philippines — Just like in an actual game, University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers head coach Gary Cortes treats the movements of his players as some form of a substitution.

That’s somehow the case of his team lately.

Following the departure of All-Stars Jancork Cabahug and Gabriel Cometa, the Lancers have acquired a pair of point guards in Christopher Erick L. Isabelo and Jerick Jan “JJ” Ranido who are loaded with talents capable of jacking up their depleted lineup for next year’s Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball season.

Though the void left by Cabahug, who hooked up with the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the UAAP, and Cometa, who transferred to the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA, is huge enough to fill in for the Lancers, the arrival of Isabelo and Ranido has somehow provided some spark for the Colon-based squad.

“Actually, Isabelo was with us since last semester. At that time, he already joined our team practice. In fact, he already played in some of our exhibition games (before the pandemic),” said Cortes.

Cortes, who piloted the Lancers to a five straight finals appearances sandwiched by a rare grandslam feat from 2016 to 2018, has high hopes for both Isabelo and Ranido, one of the best floor leaders during their high school days.

The 19-year-old Isabelo previously saw action with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, while Ranido, 20, was with University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters.

Aside from being excellent playmakers with cat-quick speed, Isabelo, formerly team captain of the  are also fearless slashers  and sharp-shooters from long distance.

“Ranido and Isabelo are deadly shooters. I really appreciate their skills long before. Despite their age, they act like matured players on the court and most of all, they’re both team players,” said Cortes of his prized recruits.

Both the Mandaue City-native Isabelo and Ranido, who hails from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, are up for the daunting challenge that lies ahead of them being members of the storied UV Lancers, one of the country’s most winningest collegiate ballclubs.

“I decided to play for the Lancers because it was a family choice,” said Isabelo, a regular All-Star with the Baby Panthers during his high school days. “I am hoping that I could help the team to another championship run in the future.”

Unlike other players who opted to try their luck in Manila, Ranido decided to stay in Cebu’s premiere inter-school athletic league because he wanted to fulfill his dreams in the Queen City of the South.

“I choose UV because I want to further improve my knowledge and skills in basketball,” said Ranido, a Mythical Five member and the Finals Most Valuable Player when the UC Webmasters bagged the CESAFI juniors division championship in 2018. 

“My goal is to become a successful player someday and I will give my best to be of big help to the team.,” added the 5-foot-11 wingman.

Things may be uncertain for now, with the CESAFI even cancelling its entire 2020 season due to the pandemic, but their entry in the hallowed portals of UV Basketball will surely give Isabelo and Ranido a reason to look forward to a better tomorrow with hope and high sense of optimism.