Macoy: We’re a better team now

USC Warriors all set to plunge into action in 13th CESAFI cage wars

CEBU, Philippines - Though not as mighty and formidable as their rivals, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors have always been a force to reckon with in the 13-year history of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).

As the league braces for its 2013 season, the Warriors are even tipped this early as one of the top three contenders alongside defending champion Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras and nine-time champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers.

They have a reason to believe so.

“We are definitely better this year than last year,” declared USC head coach Julian A. Macoy, as if sending a strong message to their rivals of their serious title campaign this season.

The Cebuano basketball legend is just in his second year as chief bench tactician of the Warriors. During his rookie season, he guided the Carolinians to a modest record of three wins and a fifth-place finish overall in a field of seven teams.

Macoy confessed that he don't have any time table when the Warriors would become a contender again just like what the team had accomplished in the 2005-2006 when they advanced to the finals for two consecutive years.

Macoy knew pretty well though that it is very difficult to make predictions considering that all teams are also preparing hard for the upcoming cage wars that have been the centerpiece event of Cebu's premiere inter-school athletic league.

But Macoy, who holds the record for most points scored in a single game with 126 back in the lates 50's, said he sees a good sign that they will make it to the Final Four.

For one, the Warriors have shown significant improvement when they placed third in the 7th CESAFI Partner's Cup two month ago. They then ruled the Enrique Villa Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament held in Siquijor last July 5-8, beating the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in the finals of the four-day tournament that was also participated in by the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers.

They also advanced to the finals of the Bogo Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament, although they lost to the SWU Cobras, 69-80.

On the other hand, the influx of foreign players, mostly Cameroonians, have brought the level of competition in the CESAFI to its highest level but Macoy isn't worried about it.

Macoy said the arrival of Ahmed Salihou and Barry Amin to their fold have added depth to their offensive arsenal most especially at the shade lane. Their prized recruits can be excellent back-ups to their local center Charles Pepito.

“Surely they could be of big help to our team specifically in rebounding and adding depth to our frontcourt,” said Macoy.

Impressed with his three recruits in Victor Rabat, Christian Laude and Miguel Plata, Macoy said he can also trust Ian Ortega, whom he described as the team's most improved player.

  Ortega, son of former SWU Cobras enforcer Esteban Cesar Ortega, is among USC's of shooters in the company of Nico Magat, Stephen Que, Antony Guy Romaguera, Jerry Seno, Dominick Adlawan and Kevin Oleodo.

The other players to complete the Warriors' line-up are Dave Guardiario and Kiefer Lim.

Aside from their foreign players and a bunch of local talents, the Warriors have also gained an added firepower at the bench with the presence of former Red Bull Barako gunner Junthy Valenzuela who is now a member of their coaching staff.

That makes the USC Warriors a team to watch out for when this year's CESAFI basketball kicks off on August 3 at the Cebu Coliseum. (FREEMAN)