CEBU, Philippines - They are the perennial 'whipping boys' in the local hoopdome who at one point became an object of public ridicule for getting thrashed by 100 points or more by their foes.
But that is now a thing of the past. That pitiful image has drastically changed two years ago when the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons underwent a massive buildup bankrolled by their magnanimous-hearted alumni led by Chester C. Cokaliong, himself a decorated sportsman non pareil.
From a league doormat, the CEC Dragons have suddenly turned into a hardcourt power when they clinched their first ever championship in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) in 2011. It was a monumental triumph that has truly left an indelible mark in the hearts of every Easternian.
Since that historic feat, the Dragons have gained the respect and admiration of the Cebu basketball community who now treat them as a ferocious, fire-breathing creature they are portrayed to be in folklore.
Along with that lofty billing comes the great responsibility of living up to the high standard of playing hoops they have already set.
And their mission is even tougher this season as they were dethroned last year although it was still a decent campaign for them as they made it to the semifinal round - something that was impossible for them to achieve before.
"That is really our goal, to make it to the Final Four. I'm very confident on our chances but we have to work doubly hard for it," said CEC training director and team consultant Mark Anthony Tallo. "It's already a different story if ever we reach that stage but we are taking things one game at a time,"
The Dragons are fortunate enough to have six holdovers from their previous lineup in Marc Raened Obado, Richmond Bulibuli, Denzel Drazen Sabroso, Shann Christopher Tan, Alfonso Alviso, and Johnedel Kenneth Chi.
"They are more cohesive now and I think we have a better teamwork this time. We just have to improve on our defense," added Tallo.
Aside from their old reliables, the Dragons will also count of their newcomers in Bob John Paul Pagalan, James Mark Roa and Jan Carlo Bughao.
Completing the CEC roster are Mark Vincent Berdera, Earl John Ibot, Harold Laborde, Arnold Magnaong, Chris Mar Salac and Jan Paolo Yu.
"I hope we will have a good run this year and eventually make a return trip to the finals. For now, we are just keeping our fingers crossed because we know that it's going to be a tough battle ahead of us," said Tallo, citing the defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers and the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors among the teams to beat this season. (FREEMAN)