With USP-F still unsure, Cesafi hoop may change format

With the brand new season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) set to unfold on Aug. 2, Cebuano basketball fans can expect fierce action as the seniors division is set to adopt a double round-robin format in the elimination round.

According to league commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy, the impending absence of the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) from the men’s basketball tournament has paved the way for the organizers to consider the said format.

“It’s not yet final but it seems that USP-F does not have a team yet. So we’re thinking of having a double round-robin for the seniors division, which would give the fans more action between the teams which have really improved during the offseason,” Tiukinhoy said in an interview yesterday.

According to a source, who preferred not to be named, he pegged the chances of USP-F not having a team in the men’s competition this season at “90%.”

With Southwestern University (SWU) currently making its mark on the national stage, the Cesafi’s other squads are gearing up for a strong showing this year.

The University of the Visayas (UV) is tweaking its roster for its title defense while the University of San Carlos (USC), University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and the University of Cebu (UC) have significantly upgraded their personnel with African imports.

Another major change organizers are looking to implement is the “home-and-away” format for the juniors division, which would see teams host their games during weekdays. Weekend games will still be held at the Cebu Coliseum.