THE Cebu City Sharks have added Ralph Jude Dinolan to help with their final push in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup.
The Casino Ethyl Alcohol-backed squad acquired the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars stalwart who was instrumental in USJ-R’s campaign in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) 2018 Season.
Dinolan started to practice with the team on Dec. 27, according to Sharks head coach Norberto “Titing” Manalili.
“He’s on an adjustment period but the good thing is he’s quick to get our system. He has enough time and hopefully, he’s ready for our game against Pampanga,” Manalili said of Dinolan.
Dinolan will debut against Pampanga Lanterns in an important game for the Cebuanos at the Angeles University Foundation Gym on Jan. 12.
Goal
The Sharks aim to make it to the playoffs with six games left in the elimination round. Cebu City is currently at eighth place and holds the last spot for the playoffs in the South Division with an 8-11 (win-loss) record.
Only the Top 8 teams in the South Division and North Division will advance to the playoffs.
“Our target is to get the No. 8 spot. We did not expect to be in this position since we had a bad start. We have a good chance in advancing to the playoffs. We will prepare for every game left,” said Manalili.
Manalili added that the team’s morale is high following two consecutive wins before the Christmas and New Year break.
“I think if we win four games in our remaining schedule, it will assure us a playoff spot,’ he said.
Dinolan was one of the vital cogs in bringing USJ-R back to the Cesafi finals after 10 years. The team finished first runner-up to the University of the Visayas Green Lancers.
Meanwhile, Manalili said that the Sharks’ big man, Adrian Lao, who was drafted in the third round by NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Rookie Draft, will continue to play for the Sharks. (RSC)