Don Bosco launches five-year basketball development program

CEBU, Philippines — Expect the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC)-Cebu Greywolves to be a strong fighting force on the hardcourt in the coming years.

Buoyed by their ardent desire to relive Don Bosco’s glory days in Cebu basketball scene, the Bosconians set in motion what promises to be a comprehensive five-year grassroots development program on Saturday, October 12, at the DBTC-Cebu Campus in Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City.

“This program emphasizes skills development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, focusing on nurturing the next generation of DBTC Greywolves. It underscores DBTC’s dedication to rebuilding a championship-caliber team and reigniting its rich basketball tradition,” said DBTC Basketball Club President Aurelio Armidilla.

“With this, we are knocking on the generous hearts of all Don Bosco alumni to help us in this endeavor because their support would greatly inspire our young athletes as they embark on this journey,” Armidilla added.

Others present during the formal launching were DBTC-Cebu Athletic Director Maxel Semblante, DBTC Basketball Club Vice President Jodrick Alesna, and coaches Jed Cabellon and Vernini Tangarorang.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia, one of DBTC’s most notable alumni, also dropped by to show his support to the long-term mission of his beloved alma mater.

“We are committed to restoring the school’s legacy of excellence with the support of the entire Bosconian family,” said Alesna.

The Greywolves last won a major championship way back in 1997, when the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) was still known as the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (CAAA).

Last year, the Bosconians earned the right to represent the Queen City of the South in the 12 Under cage wars of the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet after reigning supreme in the Cebu City Olympics.

“Hopefully within five years, we will be able to win a title again. We want to make an impact and regain the respect of the basketball community, that’s really the goal,” said Alesna.

For his part, Semblante said there are no shortcuts to building a winning program but with dedication and passion for the game, they are confident of increasing their chances towards attaining a highly competitive status in the future. — (FREEMAN)