IN EFFORTS to form a formidable lineup in his first year as head coach in a Manila-based university, Cebuano mentor Chelito Caro, who is now tasked with handling the basketball program of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Staglets, will hold a tryout in Cebu, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 20, at the Barba Sports Complex in Toledo City.
This will give young players residing in the western part of Cebu an opportunity to showcase their skills and a chance to play in the National College Athletic Association (NCAA), one of the major leagues in Metro Manila.
“There is a lot of potential in the province that cannot go to the city. So we are giving them an opportunity,” Caro told this writer.
Caro said that those interested in trying out for the upcoming Grade 11 team must have been born in 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009.
There also will be a tryout for the college team. Those interested for the college team must have been born in 2002, 2003, 2004, or 2005. The tryouts will start at 1 p.m.
Aside from Toledo City, aspiring players in the nearby towns of Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, Balamban, Asturias and Tuburan are also expected to show their wares, hoping to fulfill their dreams of playing for the country’s major inter-school basketball tournament.
Although Caro is known for his involvement in the semi-commercial league, coaching school teams is not new to him.
He was an assistant coach for the multi-titled Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. and the National University Bullpups in Manila.
Currently, Caro, a native of Lapu-Lapu City, also serves as assistant head coach for the Basilan Starhorse in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
In addition, he coaches Dave Construction and is part of the coaching staff for the Blancas Golden Knights, both semi-commercial teams based in Mindanao. / JBM