Ortega on first game against former team: ‘It was weird but fun’

IRONY reared its head last weekend as the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball champions, University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, took to the floor to take on age-old rivals Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras.

While it was already clear as day before the match started that this wasn’t going to be the same Warriors squad that hoisted the title last year, one subtle change could not be denied: there on the other side of the floor, decked in all the maroon and white glory of the Cobras garb was veteran wingman, Ian Ortega.

Yes, the very same Ortega who helped the Warriors win the championship last year.

Taking advantage of the Cesafi rule that allowed graduates to change schools on their fifth and final year of eligibility without having to spend a residency period, the 6-foot-2 Ortega chose to chase a title with the SWU instead of sticking around a rebuilding USC team that not only lost league MVP Shooster Olago and head coach Britt Reroma but also key pieces such as Nico Magat, Kiefer Lim and Charles Pepito.

The sight of Ortega wearing a color other than green and gold was weird and jarring at the same time. Apparently, he felt the same way just before tip-off.

“It was weird to go against them, but there is always a first time for everything, I’ll just have to get used to it, but overall it was fun facing USC,” said Ortega who before switching sides, had spent 15 years in the USC system, dating back to grade school, high school and college.

“I was a little bit nervous because I wasn’t sure how the crowd would react to seeing me in a SWU uniform,” said Ortega with a little laugh.

And while Ortega managed just six points in his Cobras debut, he said that him joining SWU is no longer about getting gaudy statistics. Rather, he’s relishing every single moment that’s left of what has been a very colorful collegiate career.

“Not everyone is given this kind of opportunity, I’m just thankful for everything in my life today. I’m really trying to embrace every moment here. It’s very fun playing with these guys.”