Partner’s Cup opening date moved to April 29

Basketball fans itching for collegiate basketball action may have to wait a little bit more as the 6th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Partner’s Cup has been rescheduled to raise its curtains on April 29.

The development was announced by Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy during the launching of the partnership between RCTV Sports and the Partner’s Cup. Tiukinhoy said that they decided to move the opening from April 9 to later next month because they were still looking for more sponsors to back the participating squads.

“Actually, three sponsors withdrew which is why we’re still looking for three more to complete the seven that we need for the seven teams. But rest assured, the Partner’s Cup will push through on April 29,” said Tiukinhoy during the press conference which was attended by several coaches as well as University of Cebu team manager Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, Edmund Gaisano and RCTV’s Lyndon Angan.

Already tipped to support the tournament are Gaisano-Tisa, Lion-Tiger, CDO-San Marino Corned Tuna and Prime Asia.

Tiukinhoy also addressed reports that the Southwestern University Cobras weren’t participating due to lack of players. According to SWU head coach and Cebu City councilor, Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, the rest of their recruits were set to arrive on May 15.

“We are not forcing any team to participate. This is a preseason tournament and this is for the teams and the schools to prepare themselves for the Cesafi competition. But if they won’t join, it’s okay with us. We don’t mind,” he said.

The Partner’s Cup will once again adapt the “barangayan” type of substitution for the elimination round, which means that three different sets of players will play in each of the first, second and third periods. The normal substitution patterns will be utilized in the fourth period.

“We just want all the coaches and the fans to see all of the players on the team,” said Estenzo.