Though the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions Southwestern University will have much to miss with the loss of Landry Sanjo, no less than the team’s best player and league MVP Mark Jayven Tallo expressed optimism for the their future with the elevation of new import Mupungu Boko to the varsity team.
Sanjo, the 6-foot-7 Cameroonian powerhouse who with averages of 22.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.6 steals and an assist, led the Cobras to their second title in the Cesafi just this year, will no longer be with the team because of academic deficiencies. Initially, Tallo said that the mere thought of not having his hardworking buddy by his side was already a burden on his mind.
“I’ve been with (Landry) Sanjo for two years and I can’t imagine how we’ll play without him. I mean he has been the one who helped us to be a strong team. We’ve been in the finals for two years with him and it’s a big loss that he will not be part of us anymore,” said the former La Salle guard.
Tallo admitted that at first glance, he had second thoughts about the 6-foot-8 youngster from the Republic of Congo. “The first time I saw him, I was like this guy is so thin. How can he expect to play against such strong imports like Shooster Olago and Espoir Toyambi?” quipped Tallo.
However, after practicing with Boko for some time, Tallo said that the team is in good hands.
“Boko is a very promising player. After months of practicing, he started to grow both physically and with his game as well.
He started dunking on every big man we had in the gym! He was giving us all a hard time, blocking our shots. He was even shooting three-pointers!” enthusiastically narrated the 6-foot Tallo.
“Boko is very coachable and determined to play as a champion! So I think Boko will also make us a strong team,” continued Tallo.
For his part, Boko said that he felt great to finally be part of the varsity team after a couple of years training for it.
“I feel very good. I’m just going to bring the best that I can to the team,” said the soft-spoken forward.