Caesar Ian Ortega of the University of San Carlos Warriors goes up for a jump shot against Steve Acomo of the University of the Visayas Green Lancers in this file photo during last year’s CESAFI 2015 Finals at the Cebu Coliseum. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
With the new season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) just over a month away, the defending champions University of San Carlos Warriors continue to leak water, this time losing veteran wingman Ian Ortega who has decided to transfer to arch rival, Southwestern University.
In just one week, the Warriors have lost two reliable players. First, former Far Eastern University big man Reeve Ugsang reneged on his commitment to the Warriors and decided to jump ship to the Cobras last Tuesday. Then, Ortega practiced for the first time with the Cobras yesterday and was in the process of enrolling when Cebu Daily News got in touch with him to confirm the development.
“They were very welcoming. We’ll see how this goes,” said the 6-foot-2 wingman who came back from a torn ACL in 2014 to help the Warriors clinch their very first title in 57 years with a five-game conquest of the University of the Visayas last season.
Curiously, Ortega declined to offer his reasons for the transfer although he has indicated his displeasure with how the team was being ran in an interview last April.
The pieces of USC’s championship puzzle started falling apart last year when the team’s head coach, the multi-titled Britt Reroma decided not to re-sign with the school. Starting guard Kiefer Lim has also decided to leave the squad along with reigning league MVP Shooster Olago, Mythical Five forward Charles Pepito and skipper Nico Magat. Left on the squad from the title team last year are Ian Tagapan and Victor Rabat.
The Cobras on the other hand, now boast of a potent lineup in their quest for another crown. Aside from the former two-time MVP Mac Tallo, SWU’s backcourt also has veteran guard Jun Luz, new recruit Rolly Bravo from the University of Pangasinan-Phinma and former Adamson Falcons point man William Polican.
Ortega’s addition is expected to boost their firepower.
“It’s still his first day with us but based on what I saw, he is really good at finishing around the basket, really comfortable around the rim,” said SWU assistant coach Rocky Alcoseba of their new recruit. “His three-point proficiency is already a given but his in-between game and his basketball IQ is what I’ve been impressed with. He also gives us additional size and length,” added Alcoseba.