After years of mediocrity, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats finally has a reason to be optimistic for the new season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi).
Although they failed in their bid to hoist the title in the recently-concluded inter-collegiate tournament in Tabunok where they got beaten by the mighty University of the Visayas Green Lancers, 79-94, in the championship game last weekend, head coach Bembem Alcaraz lauded his wards’ fine form and play in recent months.
So much so, that he sees the team making the semifinals or even the finals in the new season of the Cesafi which opens in a few months.
“If the teams have the same lineups and would not field in any imports, then we have a good chance of making it into the semifinals or even the championship series,” said Alcaraz in a talk with Cebu Daily News.
“We’ve been playing in different leagues in the off-season to get the team to play better as a unit. But we really don’t have any big men since Allan Dimco no longer has any playing years left,” Alcaraz added.
CIT-U was actually a championship contender during the early years of the Cesafi as they shone behind the exploits of former stalwarts Jerry Cavan and the late Jumel Lanutan.
However, the lack of blue-chip recruits in recent years has dampened their cause. Alcaraz though, is grateful to have snagged the services of veteran wingman James Ferraren.
A former standout from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation and briefly for UV, Ferraren has decided to play his final year of eligibility for the Wildcats.
“He’s making a huge difference with the team. He’s a good player and a valuable asset to have, both for his playing skills and his build. He is an experienced player, plays like a true veteran so his teammates really listen to him when he has something to say,” Alcaraz said of Ferraren who is now tasked with leading the squad alongside high-scoring forward Joshua dela Cerna and veteran guards Steven Bucao and Marlo Pono.
“It’s also a difference that the roster has matured. Almost all of the players have been playing in the Cesafi for several years now. I have a deeper bench than last time and my training and coaching style seems to fit this batch since they’ve managed to pick up the philosophy and dynamics in a short amount of time,” Alcaraz added.