Chase Tower Runs set for baptism of fire in commercial basketball
From mere pick-up games to friendly matches just for fun and in the spirit of camaraderie, former collegiate standouts and ex-PBA players that are part of Chase Tower Runs will step on a higher level of competition - in the commercial derby.
And the team backstopped by Cebuano shipping magnate and social media influencer Chase Cokaliong will have their baptism of fire right away as they go up against top-caliber commercial teams in the much awaited Sinulog Cup 2024 Basketball Tournament slated on January 23-27 at the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI) gym in
Barangay Sawang Calero.
Coach Paul Joven, who steered the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors to the Final Four of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 23 last year, said the Tower Runs was established by Cokaliong, who is also a well known sports patron, three years ago when restrictions were eased up during the pandemic.
“Since then, a group of ex-varsity players and friends always have pickup games at Cokaliong’s Chase Tower. Even other teams have played in the Tower Runs through the effort and generosity of Chase (Cokaliong),” said Joven.
Now, the CTR cagers will chase a different kind of challenge in a much tougher field.
They will clash against the vaunted OCCCI-Ormoc Sheermasters and Znars Jewelry of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and collegiate squad Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs in the five-day tilt supported by the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI) that offers over P300,000 in cash prize to the winners.
Under the guidance of Joven and bannered by hardcourt icon Dondon Hontiveros, up to the task of carrying the fight of CTR are the high-flying Michael Gastador, spunky playmakers Shane Menina and Rendell Senining, the well-rounded Mark Abadia, and noted big men Jerome Napao, Mac Racho, Edrian Lao and Fletcher Galvez who were all champions during their glorious CESAFI days.
Also in the Tower Runs’ fold are Mur Alao, Joshua Flores, Diego Ugarte, Frederick James Pasturan, Froiland Mangubat, and former PBA cager Rey Mark Acuno.
“I always feel blessed to be part of basketball for how many years,” said Joven. “And I’m so happy to carry the role as playing head coach in a commercial team for the first time. We will work hard to give what is expected of us and make Chase Tower Runs the best team it can be in the Sinulog Cup.”