THE Davao-Go-Duterte brought home the Mayor Joey S. Pama Cup Invitational Open Basketball Tournament title after beating University of Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 96-87, in the championship game on Friday, July 27, at the Municipal Gym of Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
The win came on the heels of crushing Louella of Joemart Inson, 97-69, in the elimination round.
This will be Davao-Go-Duterte's first official basketball title since the team was formed in May this year.
Head coach Miguel Solitaria said the team’s hard work and dedication paid off.
But it was only the beginning of their true journey, he said.
“Well, honestly we are happy with the win but it doesn’t stop there. We need lots of improvement on our effort and execution still. But we are getting there. We’re happy to see players getting out of their comfort zone embracing the system of play that we want. But then again `a chain is only as strong as the weakest link'.”
The team will next compete in the 2018 Kadayawan sa Dabaw Invitational Basketball Tournament.
“We have to make sure each and everyone in the team are at their best during Kadayawan Tournament,” Solitaria said, as the Dabawenyos will play with tougher teams including defending champion University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, National University (NU) Bulldogs and University of Cebu (UC).
Solitaria gave credit to coach Ronel Leuterio, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive program officer, and the whole coaching staff and players of Davao-Go-Duterte team.
“Big thanks of course to SBP regional director and presidential adviser for sports Glenn Escandor and Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go especially to our beloved president Rodrigo Duterte for choosing us to represent Davao City,” Solitara added.