1996 UV National Champion team relives glory days

CEBU, Philippines - For nearly two hours, the University of the Visayas Green Lancers National Champion Team of 1996 rekindled their old, glory days in a goodwill game against the new breed of UV cagers last Friday afternoon at the school's gym.

Sixteen years have passed since they basked in the glow of that historic moment, the ageless UV hardcourt warriors were still in fighting form and somehow proved a point that champions will always be champion in a pulsating 81-80 win over the present crop of Lancers that drew cheers from a throng of spectators who witnessed the one-of-a-kind event.

"I'm very overwhelmed. It's been 16 years since we haven't played together as a team and now were reunited in this very rare occasion. It's like turning back the hands of time and it really feels good," said Gary Cortes, team captain of one of the most winningest teams in the annals of UV hoopdom.

Back in 1996, the UV Lancers swept all major tournaments they joined in that eventful year including the Cebu Zonals, the National Inter-Collegiate Championships, Philippine National Games (PNG), Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) and the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (now the CESAFI).

Under the tutelage of Jerry Aratan, the other members of the team are Felix "Donbel" Belano, Jr., Rey Cantona, Roi Lura, Deocar Zapansa, Dindon Gono, Augustus Abelarde, Rene Toring, Jurie Violango, Aldrin Ocañada, Kid Tubaon, Gabriel "No Fear" Maloloy-on, Stephen Padilla and Selwyn Wagwag.

The game was so special that is was attended by no less than UV president and Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo "Eddiegul" R. Gullas, his son Gerald Anthony "Didi" S. Gullas, Sr. and nephew Samsam Gullas. Didi and Samsam are both UV Assistant Vice Presidents for Finance and Administration.

Eddiegul himself was a champion coach par excellence, having steered the UV Lancers to the National Inter-Collegiate Championship in 1958. That earned him the "Coach of the Year" award by the Philippines Sportswriters Association (PSA) and eventually the "Man of the Year" by the Philippine Free Press.

"I'm am very proud of this team. Winning all major tournaments they joined in that year is truly a monumental feat," said Eddiegul.

After an early 2-6 deficit, the UV champion squad wrested the upperhand, 9-6, but only very briefly as the young Lancers launched a sizzling 14-0 counterattack to mount an 11-point advantage, 20-9.

The present crop of Lancers posted their biggest lead of 15 points twice, the last was at 29-14 late in the second period. They couldn't not pull away from there as the decorated UV alumni rode on the torrid outside shooting of Padilla and Toring to force a close battle until the closing minutes of the contest to the delight of fans.         

The UV young guns had their last taste of lead at 78-77 with 1:28 left to play as they were shackled by the veterans' stifling defense and smart plays at crunchtime. While the young turks couldn't get their offense going, Lura, Padilla and Belano went 4-of-6 from the foul line to make it 81-78 with only 11 seconds left.

Their young comrades had a chance to tie the count, but the two consecutive, wide-open 3-pointers they launched misfired. After grabbing the offensive rebound, Wowie Escosio dropped a twinner at the buzzer to settle the final outcome. (FREEMAN)