Asuncion
Not since the days of former greats Paul Joven and Nino Ramirez has the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors had backcourt stability in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi).
Now, with the season set to start in a few weeks time, that is about to change with the arrival of Filipino-American guard Raz Asuncion.
The Philippines-bred, Chicago-raised guard hopes to defy expectations and play well enough to push the Warriors back into serious contention after placing third last season.
Asuncion arrived in the country several months ago and so far has left his imprint upon the USC squad, helping them to two titles in the pre-season.
Despite the success, the 23-year old has set his eyes on bigger fish to fry, targeting the Cesafi title this season.
“This season, I expect a lot from my team. Though we won two pre-season tournaments in Compostela and Cordova against some of the Cesafi teams, we still have a lot of work to do. It’s not going to be easy but I’m super excited,” Asuncion said in an exclusive interview yesterday.
The 5-foot-7 Asuncion was born in the Philippines but was brought to the United States when his family migrated to Chicago when he was 14 years old. After finishing two years of junior college there, he returned to Cebu to try his luck at local basketball.
“Initially the transition was difficult, getting used to different training and coaching philosophies, playing in outdoor gyms,” he said. “[It’s] definitely been an adjustment.”
However, that has not stopped Asuncion from assuming the leadership role, a commodity that the Warriors have found themselves short on these past few years.
USC made the finals in 2006 and 2007 but failed to raise the trophy after getting stymied both times by the University of the Visayas.
“Being one of the older guys on the team, I want to help some of the younger guys make better decisions on and off the court. Help them develop good practice habits. I’ve learned a lot from players before me,” said Asuncion, who was a former teammate of San Mig Coffee big man Isaac Holstein.
With Asuncion being handed the point guard reins, the Warriors are expected to rise behind the improved play of Ian Ortega, Kiefer Lim, Nico Magat, Victor Rabat and African imports, Shooster Olago and Espoir Tuyambe.