Josue “Toto” Segumpan of UV breaks free from the USC defense in this file photo.
Cebu City, Philippines — With its lack of perimeter shooting ever more glaring in their playoff exit, the Cebu City Sharks-Casino Ethyl Alcohol are looking to add some legitimate snipers to their fold.
It appears that they don’t have to look very far as Sharks head coach Titing Manalili is keen on taking a long and close look at former University of the Visayas (UV) team captain Toto Segumpan.
Manalili revealed to Cebu Daily News that he is bringing in Segumpan along with a few others from Bacolod City for tryouts next week as the Sharks continue their buildup for the next season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League that begins in June.
With top perimeter threat Patrick Jan Cabahug on the sidelines during their playoff series against Davao Occidental, the Tigers dared the Sharks to shoot perimeter jumpers all series long by playing a zone defense. The ingenious tactic eventually led to a 2-0 series win for Davao Occidental.
Segumpan shared that he is relishing this opportunity at gaining a spot in the league established by boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao.
“It’s a big opportunity, especially to represent Cebu City,” said the Bacolod City-bred wingman who helped UV claim three-straight titles in the Cesafi men’s basketball tournament.
“If kaluy-an sa Ginoo nga makuha ko. I know it’s challenging becauseIt’ll be professional players who we will be competing against and I’m still fresh from collegiate. There will e a lot of adjustment needed for the new environment,” he added.
Segumpan admitted that he is not yet in optimal shape owing to his academic responsibilities but vowed to give it his all during the tryouts.
“I”m not in my shape karon kay nag focus ko sa akoa OJT kay graduating ko karong April 5. After this, continue na dayon para maka focus na jud as a basketball player.”
(I’m not in shape now because I was focused on my OJT because I am graduating this April 5. After this, I will continue to focus on being a basketball player.) /bmjo