Games today:
Muntinlupa
7 p.m. – Cebu vs Bacoor
9 p.m. – Muntinlupa vs Marikina
Although their preseason record left much to be desired, the Casino Active-Cebu City Sharks think they are a better team when they make their much-awaited debut in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Anta Datu Cup today against the Bacoor Strikers at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The Sharks managed just a win in six outings in the preseason, but this didn’t seem to bother some of the Sharks’ players, who are now raring to hit the court and show the rest of the country what Cebu basketball is made of.
“The chemistry of the team sure has improved. That’s very important since we all come from different teams. It helps that we have our ‘kuyas’ on the team in the ex-pros,” said Kevin Villafranca, the 6-foot-5 forward with a soft perimeter touch. “The pressure is there but we’re excited and we promise to give our best para sa mga Cebuanos and IPI.”
Villafranca’s former teammate at the University of San Jose-Recoletos, Iron Suano, said the early struggle was expected since the team was made up of players coming from different schools.
“We had a hard time adjusting at first. But we have made it work and we have to, especially since we are carrying the banner of Cebu City. We need to work together and be there for each other,” the 6-foot guard said.
As they start their run in this tournament, Cesar Catli, the former University of the Visayas Baby Lancer who once played in the PBA, said that they have to make use of their speed advantage to make up for their lack of ceiling.
“Looking at the other lineups, we’re really small. That’s why we have to work harder and bring more energy and hustle to make up for that. We’re still making adjustments but we’re confident we can do that,” relayed Catli, who is one of four ex-pros on the team alongside bruisers Eric Rodriguez and Jondan Salvador and sniper, Patrick Cabahug. Cabahug though, will not be available until next month.
The Strikers will not be an easy customers as they are being led by 6-foot-9 veteran Marlou Aquino, Gab Banal and Cebuano wingman Christopher Sumalinog.