Cebuano guard, Mark Jayven Tallo, once hailed as one of the country’s hottest collegiate prospects, hopes to find redemption in his hometown as he joined the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions, Southwestern University Cobras.
Tallo, the son of former PBA player Mark Tallo, joined the Cobras’ training camp a little over a month ago after a failed stint with both the La Salle Green Archers and the UAAP champions, Ateneo Blue Eagles. His return to the local cage scene was confirmed yesterday by SWU champion head coach, Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba.
“Mac (Tallo) is the future of the Cobras’ backcourt especially since he will be eligible to play for four more years here,” said Alcoseba, who is back at the SWU’s helm after stepping away from the position when he ran and won as Board Member in the recent elections.
FRESH START
For Tallo, the transfer is a fresh start to a collegiate career that has seen his stock drop since his star turn in 2009 when he led the upstart Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildkittens to the Cesafi juniors title. Afterwards, the 6-foot guard was heavily recruited but eventually signed on to join the powerhouse Blue Eagles. However, in a baffling move, Tallo left Ateneo and transferred to the latter’s archrivals, La Salle, and suited up in 10 games last season.
With La Salle’s guards ailing last year, Tallo got significant playing time and logged in 11 minutes per game but averaged a measly 1.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
SWU’s acquisition of Tallo shores up a backcourt that has been ravaged by both injuries and the graduations of several key players. Gone are reserve guard Junrey Ortuyo who has exhausted his playing years, while starting guard Joseph Nalos chose to transfer to Adamson.
The team’s starting wingman Bon Guillena will also be absent this season because of an injury while new recruit NJ Otida from University of San Carlos chose to forego his final year of eligibility.
“This is the first time that we’ve really had a pure point guard who looks to distribute the ball rather than shoot first,” added Alcoseba.
There are also several other key additions to the backcourt in former Jose Rizal University Heavy Bomber Rommel Diapera, former Ateneo Team B member Kiefer Lim along with Fil-Canadian Adam Mohammed and former USC aces Jabby Bautista and Mark Panerio.
SWU’s retooled roster will be on full display tomorrow in the Mayor Michael Rama Collegiate Invitational basketball tournament against the likes of the UAAP’s Far Eastern University, the NCAA’s Mapua Cardinals and their bitter rivals, the University of the Visayas Green Lancers which replaced the Lyceum University.
The venue will be at the Cebu Coliseum.