Saturday, November 08, 2008 18 invited to join tryouts for Cesafi team
THE Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (Cesafi) wants to make sure that it only fields the best players when it sends players to an international competition for the frst time in the 17th Super Kung Sheung Cup Internatioal Basketball Invitation Championship 2008 slated next month in Hong Kong.
For its first attempt to give its athletes an international stint, Cesafi wants to make sure that the team leave an impression and will be sending the league’s best. That is why Cesafi is only inviting those whom it considers as strong players.
The Cesafi yesterday named 18 players who are eligible to try out for the Hong Kong team slots. Everyone needs to try out including those who are members of the Mythical Five of the regular season.
“The Mythical 5, in essence are already tipped to get slots to the team but they still need to be there at the try-outs,” said Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy.
The Mythical 5 for the season were Arman Ponce, Luther Justiniani, Von Lañete, Greg Slaughter and Junmar Fajardo.
Rare chance
The other players given a rare chance for the team are Harold Cincoflores and Chris Diputado of UV (point guard); Junjun Lasala of UV, Alfred Belande of Southwestern University, Edward Pao of University of Cebu and Moncrief Rogado of University of Southern Philippines Foundation (off guard).
Ricmar Perturbos of Don Bosco Technology Center will fight for the center position alongside Fajardo and Slaughter.
Among the forwards invited to the tryouts are Clifford Maguate SWU, Jan Malinao of USJ-R, Sam Hermosa of USC, Jabe Delfino of USJ-R, Ritchum Dennison of UV and Manny Gabas of USJ-R.
Experience
Cesafi selection coaches Elmer Boy Cabahug and Edito Salacot scrapped an earlier plan to field in players who are eligible for next season as they feel experience will greatly contribute in their bid and that they will give the team a good fighting chance against their foreign contenders.
The 12 chosen members will represent the country in the league slated on Dec. 16 to 21. There will be six teams competing in the event.
The try-outs is scheduled this coming Thursday at the Cebu Coliseum, while the practices for the team will be held everyday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (MCB)
