In spite of having one more year of eligibility left, Southwestern University’s star guard Mark Jayven “Macmac” Tallo declared that the upcoming Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) season will be his last.
Speaking to Cebu Daily News in an exclusive interview, the 6-foot guard said that in spite of his many achievements here, he feels that he still isn’t ready to take the next step in his basketball career. However, once this season ends, he said that he will be putting his name into the PBA D-League draft.
Already a two-time Cesafi MVP, a one-time champion, a perennial member of the Mythical Five team and the undisputed finest collegiate guard this side of the country has seen in recent years, the former Ateneo and La Salle guard has remained critical of his play.
“Feeling ko lang na hindi pa talaga ako ready for the D-League. I need to change my weaknesses and turn them into my strengths. I need to work harder. That’s why I decided to stay and play one more year in SWU,” said Tallo, citing his defense, speed and conditioning as things he still needs to improve on.
However, his assistant coach with the Cobras, Rocky Alcoseba, son of head coach and many-time champion mentor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, unequivocally said that their ace playmaker is ripe for the next level.
“Yes! He has an advantage over other point guards. Most point guards are under six-feet tall. Mac (Tallo) is a legitimate 6-footer. Others are transitioning from shooting guard to point guard to be effective in the PBA, but Mac has been playing the same position his entire life. No need for any transition on that end,” assessed the younger Alcoseba.
Still, Alcoseba sees more room for improvement for Tallo. “What he needs to develop more is his consistency in shooting from the perimeter and his three-point shot. He also needs to be consistent on defense.”
For the moment though, Tallo is focused on bringing back the championship to his school after they got dethroned last year. It was a huge struggle for Tallo and the Cobras in 2015 as they had to play with just nine guys all season long due to eligibility issues and injuries suffered by their players. Tallo said that with a full deck, he and the Cobras are primed and ready to reclaim the championship.
“We are healthy, ready and a strong team this year. We are ready to get the championship,” Tallo boldly declared