Alcoseba’s return to collegiate coaching draws mixed reactions

THE return of multi-titled basketball coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba to the collegiate ranks has drawn varied reactions from the coaching community especially those in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI).

Alcoseba, who has made his mark in the commercial ranks, calling the shots out for the mighty M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, was recently hired to coach the Southwestern University Cobras. The last collegiate team that Alcoseba handled was the Cebu Doctor’s University Stallions way back in the ‘90s.

There are quarters that expressed excitement over Alcoseba’s return in the Cesafi, including his own player Felix “Donbel” Belano who is now coaching the nine-time champions University of the Visayas Green Lancers.

“Maayo na nga nakabalik siya ug coaching diri sa college because daghan siya matudlo sa mga bata. He has a wealth of experience from coaching and the players will learn a lot from him. As a rookie coach, it will be a great test to take him on in the Cesafi,” said Belano, who steered the Green Lancers to the recent Cesafi Partner’s Cup title.

UV team manager Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas took it one step farther as he proclaimed SWU as one of the teams to beat in the upcoming tournament, with the addition of Alcoseba.

“It puts SWU as one of the teams to beat. It puts them right up there with UC (University of Cebu). Coach Yayoy (Alcoseba) brings experience, leadership and a championship pedigree incomparable to any coach today,” Gullas said.

University of San Carlos assistant coach Lawrence “Tata” Merced also believes that Alcoseba’s return to the collegiate ranks will ultimately be good for the Cesafii.

“Maayo na kaayo siya na coach. Maka-draw na siya ug crowd kay daghan man ganahan makakita niya. Manindot sad jud ang competition,” added Merced, himself an assistant to Alcoseba on the Ninos.

However, UC team manager lawyer Baldomero “Merong” Estenzo was lukewarm to Alcoseba’s entry to the Cesafi ranks. “It’s just like any new coach being hired by a member school as was the case of (Felix) Belano coaching UV. People come to watch the games and the players, not the coaches,” said Estenzo. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio