Sunday, March 11, 2007 Duterte ‘Araw’ cagefest on By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan
IT'S the moment of truth as top Cebu City teams test the mettle of local squads in the Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Araw ng Dabaw Sportfest Invitational
Basketball Tournament that opens at 4 p.m., Sunday, at the Almendras Gym.
Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will be the guest speaker in the opening rites.
Sanctioning Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) regional director Regino "Boy" Cua on Friday, said: "It's a must-see tournament for all Dabawenyos.
They will surely have a great time cheering for their favorite teams and be entertained with top-class basketball featuring the best of Visayas and Mindanao."
City Charter Day champion Tribu Sugbu, coached by former PBA cager Al Solis, and Mindanao-Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) conference champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala will be among the heavy favorites.
But newly-revitalized Duterte Agilas, managed by city sports coordinator Christopher "Bong" Go will not be a pushover in the five-day meet that stakes cash prizes and trophies to the winners.
Also entered in the meet are Ozamis Cotta of Mayor Rey Parojinog, North Cotabato Braves of Gov. Manny Piñol and Montaña Pawnshop of Armand Quibod.
Tribu Sugbu will parade the services of JR Quinahan, Rino Berame, Alex Cainglet, Doroteo Almacin, Ronald Bucao, Morsie Akad, Chris Diputado, Marvin Mercado, Jerome Gadiane, Michael Luga, Reed Juntilla, Gaylord Santos, Vergel Abelong and Nino Sayod.
Yayoy Alcoseba-coached MLKP will lean on Woodrow Enriquez, Stephen Padilla, Michael Manigo, Danny Aying, Marlon Piodo, Alano Caputolan, Troy Mercader,
Aldrin Ocanada and Jett Latonio, Enrico Llanto and Niño Ramirez, son of former national player and Shell guard Jay and nephew of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez.
