Simple two-handed slams earned high scores due to questionable rules in the CESAFI Slam Dunk contest, denying basketball fans the thrill of more difficult, acrobatic dunks (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON).
For the second year in a row, fans who were expecting a thrill out of the Cesafi Slam Dunk Competition, were again left in a funk, no thanks to dubious rules that kept participants from truly showcasing their aerial artistry.
Though the University of Cebu’s JR Puerto was adjudged the winner, fans and Cesafi players alike were less than thrilled after they were denied of what would have been a thrilling showdown between the league’s resident high-flyers, the University of the Visayas’ Rey Suerte and the University of San Jose-Recoletos’ Miguel Gastador.
Much like last year, league officials gave the participants an attempt each – and no replacement dunks – with missed dunks being automatically given a score of 30. This meant a plethora of simple one-handed and two-handed slams from the four participants, which included the University of San Carlos’ Conrad Catapusan, for fear of getting eliminated from the competition.
“We didn’t want to try new styles for fear of missing and getting eliminated. That’s why we all just had simple dunks just so we can make it to the next round,” said Suerte who made it to the finals but lost after trying out a difficult reverse slam.
Gastador, the crowd favorite, failed to make it to the finals after missing a left-handed tomahawk try in his second dunk of the elimination round. He got so incensed with the proceedings that he grabbed the ball and threw down an incredible one-handed-360 as officials were deliberating who would advance to the championship round.
“It’s just frustrating since the dunkers were all hesitant and just made sure to make easy dunks. What’s the point of joining next year if they still have the same rules?” said a dejected Gastador after the event.
The contest’s awkwardness was not lost on basketball fans and observers who commented with a mix of jest and criticism.
“If they just wanted easy dunks, I should have just joined. I could have won!” said UV forward Monic Soliva with a hearty laugh.
“Worst slam dunk contest ever,” added former Cesafi player Matt Oche.
“This is really disappointing. The dunkers are not being given a chance to show off,” commented Leonard Santillan, last year’s contest winner who is now serving residency for the La Salle Green Archers.
University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panther Roy Quiachon also said that the league should have learned from last year’s fiasco.
“Didn’t they learn from what happened last year? Simple one-handed and two-handed dunks are being given scores of 9 and 10? I am not entertained. What is important to them is made dunks even though the styles are being repeated.”