THE “THREE-PEAT” bid of Team Samsam in the upcoming 2017 Emil’s Fiesta Cup Basketball Championships would now lean on a combination of savvy veterans and spunky collegiate standouts as the tournament kicks off this Saturday at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.
Coached by Van Halen Parmis, a decorated coach in the commercial basketball scene, Team Samsam is being bannered by former PBA player Dennis Daa, his brother Dino Daa, D-League veterans Jessie Collados and Jeckster Apinan and local commercial basketball stud, Jovanie Aguilar.
Joining them are former Cesafi hotshots Mike Cantonao and Joshua dela Cerna along with selected members of the reigning Cesafi champions, University of the Visayas Green Lancers.
Parmis admitted to Cebu Daily News that there is more parity to the league this year, but nevertheless said that they would be gunning for that rare “three-peat.”
“The teams are more balanced this season but just the same, our players have the heart of a champion and I am confident that we will be able to defend our title and go for that grandslam this year,” said Parmis, the acting lead scout of the Green Lancers.
Team Samsam begins their title retention bid this Saturday against ASPA at 6:30 p.m. followed by a match between SG-ARQ and RISS/Eagles. San Remegio Properties then tangles with Fighter Wine in the last game of the night.