MISSING A VITAL PIECE: Leonard Santillan may leave Green Lancers for good

The reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers will be missing one vital piece of their core when they take the floor in the FilOil Flying V Hanes Preseason Cup and quite possibly, in the Cesafi wars later in the year.
According to Congressman Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, the team owner and manager, versatile forward Leonard Santillan will not be suiting up for the Lancers after he was named to the Philippine Under-18 National Team pool that will also be competing in the prestigious preseason tournament (see separate story).
“It’s just one of those decisions that you have to make, much like what we did with Greg (Slaughter),” Gullas said in a brief conversation.
According to head coach Felix “Donbel” Belano, there is a possibility that Santillan might not suit up for the Lancers anymore after the latter told him of his desire to play in Manila.
“Nananghid man na siya nako before. Ana siya na ganahan siya mo-duwa sa NU (National University) but I told him that is between him and management na. Ako naa ra ko dinhi to guide and coach him,” Belano said.
Belano admitted that Santillan’s absence will no doubt put a dent on their preparations but asserted that he has new players who are capable of filling up the hole he leaves behind.
He also shared that the more pressing challenge does not lie in getting the locals to work together but in finding an import who can fill the shoes of former reinforcement Mike Nzuesseu who left the team right after they won the title last year.