Alcoseba’s contract with SWU ends; Reyes is interim coach
Multi-titled head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba has parted ways with the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras, effectively ending a successful partnership that brought two Cesafi men’s basketball titles to the Urgello-based school.
According to Alcoseba, he and SWU-Phinma Vice President for Student Life Gilbert Braganza met and parted amicably after his contract ended last month. Both parties agreed not to renew the contract.
Braganza expressed his gratitude to the veteran head coach who took over in 2011 and immediately went to work, giving the Cobras a runner-up finish during that season.
It didn’t take long for the old Alcoseba magic to take effect as they won the championship the following year behind a loaded roster led by now-La Salle star Ben Mbala.
After settling for second place in 2013, the Cobras once again climbed Cesafi’s peak and won another title in 2014.
“Southwestern University PHINMA will always be grateful to Coach Yayoy Alcoseba. In his five years with us as the head coach of the university’s college basketball team, he has not only brought success and pride to the school, but has also showed exemplary dedication and passion to the sport that will always inspire our players,” said Braganza.
“In those years, the Cobras have won two Cesafi titles and an amazing runner up finish in the 2013 Philippines Collegiate Champions League. He will forever remain a pillar of basketball not only in Cebu, but all over the country. It has been an enriching and productive journey, and we wish Coach Yayoy all the best in his future endeavors. Thank you very much, Coach Yayoy,” added Braganza.
Tough task
Alcoseba said that the team would be in good hands with interim head coach, SWU’s athletic director Mike Reyes.
“SWU will always be a contender. They still have several veterans so they’ll do just fine,” said Alcoseba.
For his part, Reyes admitted that his team will not be as loaded as previous years, especially with the departure of former two-time Cesafi MVP, Macmac Tallo. As of the moment, the Cobras also do not have a foreign player in their fold.
Alcoseba, however, emphasized that he isn’t retiring and shared with this writer that he would love to coach at a school where he has history with.
Alcoseba previously played with both the University of San Carlos and the University of San Jose-Recoletos, which he led to the 1985 national collegiate crown.
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