Suspended

THE University of Visayas suspended Nigerian Jeffakins Aguara and Franciso Arong for the rest of the Green Lancers’s campaign in the 2014 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) season.

UV is hoping Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. and Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) executive director Joe Lipa will allow them to replace Aguara with Steve Cedrick Akomo for the upcoming PCCL tournament.

After an investigation last Friday, Green Lancers team manager and Cebu first district congressman Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. announced the suspension of Aguara and Arong, who were involved in a near-fistfight during the team’s semifinal loss to the University of San Carlos Warriors last Sept. 16.

“The University of the Visayas will suspend Jeffakins Aguara and Francisco Arong for the entire season of the Cesafi. As the team manager of the Green Lancers, I recommend the suspension of the players (to the UV administration) after they were involved in an unsportsmanslike conduct during a game between UV and USC last Sept. 16,” the young Gullas told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Gullas expressed regrets on the conduct of both players, and disappointment on the no show of Aguara when called to a meeting.

UV will still figure in a playoff for third place against the other semifinal loser.

“I am sad for the conduct of both players. In addition, I am very upset and disappointed with Jeffakins Aguara, who never showed up after the game. He was also absent when he was called for a meeting. It was found out (during the investigation) that Aguara was tasked to defend USC’s (Shooster) Olago as it was the game plan of the coaching staff. However, instead of following the game plan, Aguara played soft and did not follow the coaches, resulting in easy baskets by Olago during the pivotal fourth quarter. This was very apparent during the final seconds of the game when he allowed Olago to deliver a slam dunk that angered Arong who was just observing Aguara.

The bench also took notice of that. Aguara did not follow our coach’s instructions,” added Gullas.

As a team manager, Samsam wanted the players to display UV spirit even in the dying seconds of the game.

“It is not enough that we watch how we loss, we must put up a fight regardless if we lose. It is the Visayanian’s attitude to take a gallant stand and accept defeat if it humbly comes. It has never been the character of a Visayanian to swallow indecisiveness. Sadly, Aguara never carried UV’s basketball style and passion,” he continued.

But while Gullas recognized Arong’s zeal to win the game, he noted that Arong should not have taken the matters into his own hands.

According to Gullas, he understood that Arong wanted to make UV proud by winning the game but his actions in dealing with Aguara was uncalled for.

“It is very improper and reprehensible to show overtly his disappointment over his teammate before the crowd. We may consider that some may cast sympathy with his plight, but to many, it was a mockery,” Gullas said.

With this development, UV will be embarking on a new approach in disciplining its players.

The Green Lancers will be taught on how to overcome excitement and passion in the crucial moments of the game.

“Basketball is not just shooting the ball or making a rebound, above all, it is (all about) sportsmanship,” Gullas explained.

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