AFTER failing to make it to the playoffs in their second season in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), the Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol has reloaded, adding young stalwarts Andrey Armenion and Mark Olayon to their roster for next season.
With ace big man William McAloney moving up to the pros, Cebu has a huge hole to fill but is confident that the addition of the two Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) products will help bridge the gap.
Armenion used to play for the University of Cebu Baby Webmasters before moving on to join the University of the East Red Warriors. He has also played for Nueva Ecija and Valenzuela in the MPBL. He says he has always dreamed of suiting up for his hometown in this league and is looking forward to representing Cebu once the new season comes around.
“There is indeed a very special feeling to be able to play and represent my hometown, having been able to play in three different teams in the MPBL the past years. I’ve always pictured myself playing for Cebu in the near future. I’m very excited and I cannot wait to play with my new team and give our team the respect it truly deserves,” said Armenion.
Armenion’s presence will bolster a backcourt that already has Harold Cortes, Joel Lee Yu, Bongbong Nuñez and Jaybie Mantilla.
“As it will be my third season playing in the MPBL, my experience and composure will definitely be a big factor in what I can bring to the team. Being coachable and having the right mindset every time because every day is always an opportunity to get better,” he added.
Meanwhile, Olayon’s addition to the Cebu squad brings him back to the city that helped launch his career. Olayon was part of the Cebu Eastern College Dragons team that won the 2010 Cesafi high school championship. The versatile left-handed forward says he has nothing but fond memories of Cebu and is looking forward to making some more in his stint with Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol.
“I’m happy and thankful. I have many friends and good memories in Cebu, it’s my second home when I leave my hometown,” said the Davao native.
Olayon will help comprise a frontcourt that still has Edrian Lao, Rhaffy Octobre, John Saycon, Kraniel Villoria and Nichole Ubalde. (JNP)