THE M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-backed Southwestern University Cobras (SWU) have been quick to reload in the wake of several key losses to their powerhouse roster heading to the much-anticipated opening game in the 7th FilOil Flying V Premier Cup against the five-time Ateneo Blue Eagles on April 13 at the Arena in San Juan City.
The most glaring absence is undoubtedly the loss of star forward Cameroonian Ben Mbala, who committed to join the La Salle Green Archers during the offseason. Also gone from the lineup are starting point guard Joseph Nalos, who transferred to Adamson and back-up guard Junrey Ortuyo, who exhausted his playing years.
But even with the losses, champion head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba was quick to emphasize that it was all about the team rather than just one player, and that this experience at the national stage will serve them well moving forward.
“We compete as a team. Ben was just one player. He was a great player but just one player. Competing in the FilOil tournament will be a great experience not just for our players but for the coaching staff as well,” said Alcoseba.
The vacuum left by Mbala is expected to be filled in by Fabrice Siewe, a 6-foot-11 behemoth who plays beyond his age of 17.
The Cobra also added some more heft and height to their roster in the additions of 6-foot-4 Francis Ortega, 6-foot-7 Raymart Acuno and 6-foot-4 Melvin Holper, the younger brother of former pro Michael Holper. The other added attractions to the squad are veterans Mark Panerio, NJ Otida and Jabby Bautista, transferees from the University of San Carlos.
The school’s Chairman of the Board Mariz Johanna Holopainen, a normal fixture at SWU games everywhere, said aside from restocking an already-loaded lineup, they are also set to unveil a new and improved basketball court at the Cobras Pit at the Aznar Coliseum in July.
“We really are geared towards achieving goals at the national level. That was really the target ever since Yayoy (Alcoseba) took over two years ago,” Holopainen said. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio