THE KCS-Mandaue City introduced the team that will do battle in the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup, which is slated to open this April.
Coached by multi-titled head coach Mike Reyes, the team of team owner Ricky Verdida will tout a formidable roster bannered by several former standouts of the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions Southwestern University-Phinma as well as former pro, Alfred Batino.
The team was introduced to the media on Friday afternoon at the San Remigio Pensionne Suites. Gracing the event was the league’s secretary-general Marvin Caro and technical head Rey Cañete.
Also present was Verdida, Reyes, team manager Ritchie Cesa and several of the team’s players such as the Bataan Risers’ Joseph Nalos and Bernie Bregondo, Cesafi Most Valuable Player Shaquille Imperial and former Cobras Dyll Roncal and Cebu City Mayor’s Cup MVP Steve Castro.
Verdida said that even though his team is new to the commercial basketball scene, he and the rest of his players and coaches would give it their all to compete.
“The VisMin Super Cup is a big league and we’re grateful to have been invited. There are plenty of teams that are formidable so we will just work hard and give it our best,” said Verdida.
Reyes, who steered SWU-Phinma to the Cesafi crown back in 2019, said the first step would be to build the team’s culture.
“It’s a big task trying to build the team’s culture. As we go along, we can start to identify what kind of team we’ll come up with,” said Reyes, the brother of former national team head coach Chot Reyes.
Reyes said the VisMin Cup would serve as a goal for players from the Visayas and Mindanao region to aspire for.
“This can inspire lots of players from the VisMin area. Dati, you have to go to Manila para makilala ka. This can be a vehicle for more players to be seen and known in the basketball scene,” Reyes added.
The players also expressed their excitement for the upcoming league.
“We’re thankful nga naay VisMin Cup. We’re eager na magduwa since almost one year na wa nagduwa,” said Nalos, a crafty player who is currently playing for the Bataan Risers in the MPBL.
Imperial also said that he is excited to learn from his more experienced teammates while Roncal is thrilled for the exposure the players would get from this tournament. (JNP)