There’s one more Cebuano helping UP become a contender

WHEN talking about the rebuilding University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and their Cebu roots, the conversation usually steers towards returning hotshot and Philippine Youth Team standout Paul Desiderio, and ex-Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu aces Henry Asilum, Pio Longa and Janjan Jaboneta.

However, Cebuano basketball fans will be thrilled to know that a veteran guard tasked with helping the long-suffering Maroons to new heights also happens to be another Cebuano. His name: Dave Moralde.

This, Cebu Daily News found out in an exclusive talk with the young cager who was in town along with the rest of the Maroons for a series of tune-up matches against teams from the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi).

“Actually, my father came from the northern part of Cebu, particularly Tominjao, Daanbantayan. I seldom visit my hometown because of my busy schedule. Although I wish I could visit more often so that I can know my relatives a little bit more and attend family gatherings. Besides, I can understand Bisaya but I can’t speak it,” said Moralde with a hearty laugh.

Moralde brings with him a winner’s pedigree to the moribund Maroons, after playing for the San Beda Red Cubs in high school before getting elevated to the Red Lions in college. He even managed to carve out his name in San Beda’s lore after he was part of the “Super Six”—the Red Lions team composed of just six players after the squad was hit by several suspensions as a result of a brawl that happened during a volleyball game—that took down the Arellano University Chiefs in the opening game of the NCAA’s Season 88 back in 2012.

However, with a dearth of playing time owing to the Red Lions’ depth at the guard position, Moralde deemed it fit to transfer to the Diliman-based Maroons last year.

Though wins have been hard to come by last season, Moralde feels that this year’s squad is turning the corner towards competitiveness, something he gives immense credit to the coaches for.

“The big difference is that we are handled by impassioned coaches who have a wide range of knowledge that can help us improve and work together more effectively as a team. Also, the coaching staffs play a vital role since they are more systematic and have implemented different approaches,” said Moralde.