CALM BEFORE THE STORM. Newly installed University of Cebu head coach Kern Sesante (in long sleeves) goofs around with his players in one of their tune-up games. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Games today
Cebu Coliseum
4 p.m. – Don Bosco vs USC (Jrs.)
5:30 p.m. – UC vs USJ-R (Srs.)
When you’re watching the University of Cebu Webmasters compete this season in the men’s division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), don’t be surprised if they are taking after the man walking along the sidelines in new head coach Kern Sesante.
Back when he was starring for the Webmasters, Sesante was a heady speedster of a point guard who hounded opposing guards relentlessly on defense while providing a steady presence on offense. Expect his Webmasters to play with the same mindset as they strive to get back to the league’s upper echelons starting today when they take on the undermanned University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars.
“I always tell them to start on defense and everything else will follow. Walay swerte, walay malas sa depensa,” said the former UC sentinel turned lawyer in a talk with Cebu Daily News on Friday morning.
It’s not a coincidence that Sesante will try to employ a choking kind of defense especially since UC has the greyhounds that can wreak havoc on an opponent’s offensive game plan. At the tip of the spear is athletic forward JR Puerto who has shown massive improvements on both ends of the floor.
He will be joined by veterans Daniel Mayol, Clint Suelto, Fil Culango and the spitfire backcourt combination of Justine Dacalos and prized find, Gileant Delator.
Sesante and the rest of the Webmasters have been hard at work since last year, competing in numerous tournaments and exhibition matches. The hardworking mentor is hoping that the work they have put in will eventually bear fruit as they aim for a return to the glory years of 2010 and 2011 when they won consecutive titles.
“Nakatabang jud ang mga tune-up games namo. Nakadungag sa experience sa mga bata,” he added.
With a roster filled with neophytes, Sesante is wont to put pressure on his wards, rather than just directing them to improve.
“Wala ko expectations sa team especially since we have a lot of rookies and sophomores. I just want them to improve. But I know they’re ready. Gagmay mi pero we’re determined to win.”