THE USPF Panthers men’s basketball team.
CONTRIBUTED
After years of missing out on the semifinals of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers are ready to rise up the ranks after a busy offseason that saw them recruit an African reinforcement and compete in numerous tournaments both here in the region and in Mindanao.
Budding guard John Alocillo, now playing in his third year, reported to Cebu Daily News that the team is ready to make a turn towards reaching the upper echelon of the league, thanks to the arrival of Nigerian big man Richy Managor, and their experience competing in tournaments in Leyte, and recently, in Bayugan City, where they upset the UAAP’s University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers.
“It has helped us a lot. Because of that, our coaches saw who really fits the team. We also added the experience to our tool box and really gel with out teammates especially our import Richy (Managor),” relayed Alocillo, the son of the team’s head coach, Albert Alocillo.
Aside from being a difference-maker, Managor has also helped the team become much closer with his goofiness off the court and unselfishness on it.
“Besides being goofy, Richy has helped us a lot in our games. He’s so unselfish on and off the court and treats us like brothers. And what makes him unique is his attitude towards practices and school. He’s so focused and pretty serious about those as well,” said Alocillo of their 6-foot-8 anchor.
With a talented roster that boasts of the likes of All-Stars Lyndon Colina and Roy Quiachon, USPF expects nothing less than a spot in the Final Four and are putting in the work to get there.
“Absolutely, we are working very hard everyday for that moment especially the management, the coaching staff and our team manager. He’s doing a lot for us. We just kept on reminding ourselves not to become proud or arrogant but give all praises and credit to God for giving us such an opportunity of a lifetime, added Alocillo.