Promising guard says Cardinals’ offer was too good to pass up; Estenzo disappointed
What was shaping up to be a resurgent season for the University of Cebu (UC) quickly took a disastrous turn after top guard Darrell Shane Menina bolted the Webmasters’ camp in favor of the NCAA’s Mapua Cardinals.
The development was a blow to the gut of the Webmasters who hung tough against Malaysia, Mapua and the University of San Carlos Warriors in the Cebu City Mayor’s Cup that concluded a few weeks ago.
Menina solidified his reputation as one of Cebu’s most promising players in the aforementioned competition where he lit up Malaysia’s national team for 37 points and scorched USC’s defense with 28 markers.
These performances caught the eye of Mapua head coach Fortunato “Atoy” Co, who quickly recruited the cat-quick guard.
In an exclusive talk with Cebu Daily News, Menina divulged that the Cardinals’ pitch was just too good to pass up.
“It’s a good opportunity. Mao na akong giapas ngadto labi na daghan og benefits para sa ako og sa akoang family,” said Menina, who is set to join the Cardinals next week in time for the NCAA’s opening later this month.
Menina added that it has always been his dream to play in Manila, and when the opportunity arose, he chose to take it.
QUESTIONABLE LOYALTY
According to UC’s associate head coach Joever Samonte, Menina was not the only player who was recruited by Mapua. Five players were offered spots in the Cardinals squad but only Menina and big man Marc Obado agreed to take them.
Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, the team’s manager and acting head coach, did not hide his disappointment.
“I have mixed feelings,” he said. “I’m terribly disappointed that they did not have the courtesy of asking permission or just eveninforming UC or Atty. (Augusto) Go of their plan to transfer. But I’m happy because I will not have players in the team whose loyalty is questionable.”