USJ-R tests revamped roster as Cesafi Partner’s Cup gets underway

Games on Saturday:

(University of San Carlos Gym)

12:30 p.m. UCLM vs USJ-R (HS)

2:00 p.m. ARQ-UV vs Cebu Elite-USC (HS)

3:30 p.m. USPF vs Cebu Landmasters-USC (College)

5:00 p.m. SWU-Phinma vs USJ-R (College)

Cebu City, Philippines—Cesafi’s preseason tournament, the Partner’s Cup 2019, gets underway on Saturday, June 8, 2019, with the main game giving fans a look at two teams that have gone through different facelifts during the offseason.

While the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras have largely kept its core of Shaquille Imperial, Gerald Fernandez and Red Cachuela intact, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars have undergone a massive revamp with all but a handful of players returning from last year’s runner-up finishers.

Read more: Despite losing key players, USJ-R vows to ‘play to win’ in upcoming Cesafi season

The quadruple-header opening day starts at 12:30 p.m. at the University of San Carlos (USC) Gym.

Gone from the Jaguars, last season’s runners up, are one-time MVP Jaybie Mantilla, many-time Mythical Five forward RJ Dinolan, Nichole Ubalde, Fletcher Galvez and foreign student-athlete, Segamars Ewenike. 

Read more: Cebuano Mantilla recruited by UP Fighting Maroons

In their place are a lot of promising but untested players who are looking to make the squad for the regular Cesafi tournament in August.

USJ-R head coach Leode Garcia said that this tournament will serve as a deciding point for who will make the squad and who won’t.

“All I can say is that this Partner’s Cup will determine who I will get for the Cesafi season,” said Garcia.

Read more: For USJ-R coach Leode Garcia, his team has nothing to be ashamed of

The main game, set at 5 p.m., will also see the respective debuts of the schools’ new foreign players. Playing for SWU-Phinma is Lamine Thiam while USJ-R will parade Jonathan Kongolo Kabwakatanda. /bmjo