Down to just Nine

Cesafi releases final list of eligible players; SWU to compete with only nine players

“We will have strength, but we definitely won’t have the numbers.”

This was the bold sentiment of Southwestern University (SWU) assistant coach Rocky Alcoseba after the release of the final list of eligible players for the 15th season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) saw the Cobras emerge with just nine players on their roster, which is the fewest ever in league history.

With a third of their lineup disqualified because of various academic issues, the reigning champions have been backed into a corner with only rookie Jesse Bautista, rookies Val Gonzaga and Kier Clam, veterans Jun Luz, Melvin Holper, Janjan Auditor, Mac Racho and the league’s two-time defending MVP, Mark Jayven Tallo left to carry the fight.

Contrary to a previous report, sniper Anton Pardo has been cleared to suit up this season.

However, the animal that has been cornered oftentimes is the most dangerous one. And Alcoseba echoed that thought.

“I like our chances because everyone is counting us out already. We feel like we’re going to a party that we’re not invited to,” said the son of the school’s champion head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba.

SWU’s situation is reminiscent of the 2010 University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors squad, a team that fielded in a mere eight players in their first game and still won. They eventually ended up with a 10-man rotation and made it all the way to the semifinals.

With this stunning development, the Warriors are now poised to usurp the throne after losing to the Cobras in a thrilling five-game finals series last year.

However, even USC head coach Britt Reroma remains wary of the undermanned Cobras.

“We’re definitely not counting them out. We know they’re undermanned but we have so much respect for them. They’re still the reigning champions. They have a great coach, they have great players so they’re not just going to roll over and give up. That’s for sure,” said Reroma.

Reroma went on to say that although he’s confident with his squad, he will not go as far as saying that the Warriors are now the favorites. He bestowed that distinction upon the University of the Visayas Green Lancers.

“No, I won’t consider ourselves as the favorites. That title belongs to the Green Lancers. They have a lot of experienced players, players with championship experience.”