Taking volleyball to the next level

CEBU - I had a glimpse of the cluster 1 action of the 4th Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup for Women last weekend in Minglanilla and I believe that the tournament has indeed raised the level of game in Cebu.

If you want to see good volleyball players in the past, you have to watch the inter-collegiate games in Cebu City to do so. Now, you go to the GUV Cup and you see a lot of talent including some very young players, who I hope would someday make it big also.

The GUV Cup has in fact recognized its players, who have made it to the school varsity teams. This is proof that the tournament provides a venue for the school coaches to scout for potentials.

Today, the second cluster tournament will be held in the town of Samboan on the southwestern tip of the province. I don’t think I can make it there to watch the action, but I’m sure my friends from the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) would be giving me updates of what would transpire.

There would be cluster tournaments every weekend, said Nonna Catipay of CEVA. This means that volleyball enthusiasts even from the places far away from the city can have a chance to watch some action. That is including those from the islands of Bantayan and Camotes as games would also be held there.

Just keep posted for more news on the GUV Cup.

* * *

I had a funny conversation with some friends about the scouts from Manila, who are eyeing the local talent for their basketball teams. The conversation centered on rumors that scouts would not be allowed into the arena where the games of the CESAFI would be played.

I believe the rumors are not true, because you can’t stop anybody from buying a ticket to watch the game and take down notes about the strengths and weaknesses of a player.

Cebu is without doubt a rich source for basketball talent and many of our stars have made it big in Manila not only mainly because of talent, but also due to hard work.

I do share the worry of the Cebuanos, who would not want our local talent to be transplanted to Manila where many have gone and come back to Cebu as disappointments.

There are of course more opportunities to play at a higher level in Manila and I would not want our talents to be deprived of such. What is however important is that when they are brought away from Cebu, they would be given the proper guidance by their coaches and managers so they can take good care of themselves and their playing careers.

Basketball can help take a player somewhere, but it won’t be around for a very long time, so I urge our players who get offers to play in Manila to think hard before taking the plunge.

* * *

MILESTONES: I’d like to greet my cousin Emily Iway-de la Vega a very happy birthday.

The same goes to Sheelah Marie S. Malicse, who also turns a year older today.

Belated birthday greetings go to Ramon ‘El Presidente’ Fernandez and Elizabeth Maza-Barazon, who both turned a year older yesterday. (THE FREEMAN)

More power to all of you!