Former UV team captain Toto Segumpan (right) will join Cebuanos Reed Juntilla and Joseph Nalos in the Zamboanga team in the MPBL. | contributed photo
Cebu City, Philippines—From one shade of green to another.
This is the situation that the former skipper of the University of the Visayas Green Lancers, Toto Segumpan, has found himself in as he signed on to play for the Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
The deadeye shooter from Bacolod City was previously linked to the Cebu City Sharks but Zamboanga head coach Bai Cristobal swooped in with a contract and an offer that the 6-foot-1 wingman could not refuse.
“I’m just grabbing the opportunity. Coach Bai Cristobal called and told me that I could have a contract for Zamboanga. That’s why I took the opportunity; you never know when it might knock again,” shared Segumpan, a key cog in the last three Cesafi title-winning UV squads.
Segumpan admits the transition from college to the pros has not been easy but he is diligently working on it.
“I am still adjusting to the style of play, coming from college and heading straight to the MPBL is a whole different ballgame. Hopefully I can quickly cope with the system and adjust well to my new teammates,” Segumpan added.
Having several Cebuanos on board will help Segumpan feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. Zamboanga still has ex-pro and fellow UV product Reed Juntilla and ex-Southwestern University-Phinma ace Joseph Nalos in its fold. /bmjo