CEBU, Philippines — The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are setting their sights on another three-peat in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 men’s basketball tournament set to start on Saturday, September 21, at the Cebu Coliseum.
A day after the league’s new season kicks off, the two-time defending champions will immediately open their campaign against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars on Sunday, September 22.
Though they’re tipped as the title favorites, coach Gary Cortes has tempered his expectations when it comes to their grandslam bid.
“As for our preparations and readiness for the new season, all I can say is that we are doing the same routine that we usually do in the past years,” said Cortes, who won five crowns including a rare golden treble from 2016 to 2018 in seven straight finals appearances since he took over UV’s coaching reins in 2015.
Bannered by team captain Jimpaul Amistoso and reigning CESAFI MVP Kent Ivo Salarda, the Lancers still have a lot of firepower at their disposal such as AJ Sacayan, Raul Gentallan, Ivan Clark Alsola, Kenneth Brillo, Joshua Canoy, Christopher Isabelo, and Jhun Art Marco.
They can also count on their new acquisitions in Ethan Maglasang, Steven Cañete, and Brian Fitcher who are slowly but steadily jelling with the team.
Still, Cortes remains low-key on their chances of keeping their throne for the third consecutive time.
“We will just play the best we can every game day,” said Cortes. “Whatever the result is at the end of the season, that concludes our 3-peat quest.” — (FREEMAN)