JR Quinahan
Cebuano PBA cager Quiñahan believes commercial leagues in Cebu a big help for local cagers
If anyone needs any further proof of the extensive benefits that a collegiate basketball player gets in playing in commercial leagues, they need not look very far than current Rain or Shine forward JR Quinahan.
A bruising 6-foot-6 forward with a wide frame and a soft touch, Quinahan has thrived in the professional league since getting picked seventh in the first round of the 2007 PBA Draft. After also playing for Burger King, Talk N Text and Air21, the former University of the Visayas standout found a home with Rain or Shine where he has played since 2011.
Quinahan admits that the exposure he got from playing against better competition in commercial tournaments helped him grow as a basketball player and paved the way for him to make it to the big league and it baffles him to know why Cebu no longer has one.
“Dapat naa gyud untay commercial league diha sa Cebu kay daku na ug tabang para ma develop ang young players nga maka duwa kontra sa veterans para maging competitive sila kung makaduwa sila sa Manila,” said Quinahan in an exclusive interview with Cebu Daily News.
Quinahan recalled suiting up for Skygo in the defunct Cebu Basketball Federation. He has also competed under the banner of Osaka and Arthro. He said that his experience in these tournaments gave him the confidence to make it in Manila.
“Pipila nalang ka players mo-try sa ilang swerte sa Manila. Dili pareha sa amoa sauna nga daghan ma-scout para kuhaon diri sa Manila. Hinaut nga mabalik unta ang commercial league para sa mga players dinha sa Cebu nga dili masayang ang talent.”
Current UV head coach Gary Cortes concurred with Quinahan’s statements and said that he came back a better player after competing in several commercial leagues.
“Playing commercial basketball while still in the varsity really helps you build confidence. Of course inig dula nimo against kanang wala nakadula ug commercial nga collegiate players, murag lamang na ka gamay,” said Cortes, a defensive dynamo during his playing days.
Cortes added that not having a commercial league in Cebu diminished their chances of recruiting good players from the other regions with little room for basketball growth here in the city.
“Mao pud na rason nga maglisod ta ug recruit ug quality players from big cities like Davao, Cagayan and others kay diri sa Cebu, after sa imong playing years, wala na ka lain playing options.”
Britt Reroma, head coach of the newly-crowned Cesafi champions University of San Carlos, also found himself yearning for Cebu’s “glory days,” seeing as how muted the local basketball scene now is when the collegiate season ends.
“Kelangan jud sa Cebu ang commercial league to bring back our glory days. Importante kaayo na sa exposure sa ato Cebuano players.