With the landscape of the Cebu collegiate basketball scene set to change drastically once again with the departure of Southwestern University (SWU) superstar Ben Mbala to the La Salle Green Archers of the UAAP, several movers and shakers of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) chimed in on the development.
Mbala, the 6-foot-7 Cameroonian who led Cobras to their very first title in the Cesafi, committed to join the Archers the other day, leading most to question what to make out of the league now that it’s biggest crowd-drawer has moved on to greener pastures.
League commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy was all praise and platitudes for Mbala, who he said, helped pave the way for foreigners to showcase their skills in the Cesafi.
The league has three foreigners playing with the University of the Visayas having Steve Cedric Akomo and new recruit Mike Harry Nzeusseu Djountche while SWU also has one other Cameroonian in their fold in Justin Aboude.
“That is good for Mbala especially for his studies. For Cesafi, there will be a little setback on the momentum in our league as Mbala has created a lot of supporters and fans but we have to move on,” the longtime commissioner said. He further added that in the wake of SWU’s success that was made possible primarily with Mbala’s stellar play, he has encouraged the different school owners to find and tap foreign talent for their respective squads.
“I have been convincing the school owners to go the path of getting at least one 6’8 or 6’10 foreign player as we don’t have that size of homegrown player anymore,” stated Tiukinhoy.
Coaches and school officials also shared their two cents in regarding the matter with UV head coach Felix Belano and Cebu Institute of Technology-University’s athletic director Alex dela Torre differing in opinion.
“It is not a good thing for Cebu basketball ang pag-transfer ni Mbala sa La Salle because siya na ang naging sukatan ng mga big men dito sa Cesafi,” said Belano.
“Kaya ang players, pursigido to work harder to compete with him and improve on their skills as well. Kaya it’s a big loss for the Cesafi. Pero ganyan talaga ang basketball, kapag may umaalis, may pumapalit din,” added the former PBA player.
Ironically, Mbala was the main roadblock that stood in the way of the Green Lancers’ bid for a 10th title in 12 years, as he scored 25 points in their 73-72 win over UV in Game Five of the Cesafi title series last year.
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
Dela Torre, on the other hand, was happy to both Mbala go to La Salle as it now levels the playing field more in the Cesafi.
“First off, we should be happy for him as he will be able to further his career in basketball,” said Dela Torre.
“But for Cebu basketball, I don’t think it’s a loss as I am against foreigners playing here. In fact, the playing field is no longer level for us. Let’s develop local talents instead.”