Cobras add another gem in Fil-Samoan Juju Bautista
SWU BULKS UP
With the 15th season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament approaching on the horizon, the reigning titleholders Southwestern University are expecting a tough title-defense and prepared themselves for the challenges that lie ahead by adding arguably the best prospect from San Diego today in Filipino-Samoan Juju Bautista.
A muscular, sweet-shooting and athletic 6-foot-3 forward, Bautista is eager to play his role and ensure that the title remains in the Cobras’ lair this year. And so far, he has fit in like a glove.
“It hasn’t been a challenge fitting in because everyone can dribble, everyone can shoot and everyone can attack the basket. So I’m just trying to do my part and contribute whenever I’m in the game. Our team is deep this year. I think we are ready for the Cesafi,” said Bautista in a talk with Cebu Daily News yesterday afternoon.
While most Fil-foreign players struggle with the transition to the Cebuano brand of basketball, Bautista’s move from San Diego to Urgello, Cebu has been nearly flawless, especially with a welcome wagon that includes his good buddy from back home, SWU point guard Jasper Parker.
“Playing with them has been great. I love playing basketball when everyone is on the same page. It makes basketball more fun,” shared the 20-year old whose father hails from Cavite and his mother from American Samoa.
Bautista brings with him some impressive numbers as he averaged 27.4 points in the ultra-tough San Diego Philippine Basketball League, which led to him being named Most Valuable Player there.
He was also supposed to suit up for the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in the NCAA last year but decided against it because of a disagreement with then-head coach Gerry Esplana.
With the rest of the league’s contenders bolstering their rosters in the hopes of catching up to the defending champs, Bautista’s addition is set to give the Cobras the boost it needs to stay in front of the hungry pack.
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