UV invests on promising Cameroonian
UV invests on promising Cameroonian Steve Cedric Akomo
THE University of the Visayas Green Lancers stamped its status as a strong title contender after they got what they wished for in this season’s Cesafi basketball campaign.
UV head coach Felix “Donbel” Belano Jr. just a lanky, but athletic and youthful Cameroonian center in Steve Cedric Akomo.
“He is very athletic and still 17 years old. And I really like his attitude. He would never give up and is very hardworking,” Belano told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
Akomo stands at 6’8”, and despite his lean frame, he is very athletic and loves to slam the ball hard in the ring almost at all times.
“We will try to work on his strength. He is thin, but despite that he can dominate the middle, can control the rebound and is very intimidating on defense. Given one year, and he can be unstoppable,” added Belano.
The addition of Akomo made UV the tallest team in the Cesafi.
“With Akomo in the line-up, we now have a very tall frontline. I am now very confident of our chances to make the finals this time,” Belano stressed.
Aside from Akomo, UV has the 6’7” Andrew Avillanoza, the 6’5” Raffy Oktobre, Wowee Kadir and Chris Perolino, the 6’4” Hernan Escocio at its front line, while the 6’3” Rene Saycon and Arvie Cabañero can also play the swing and power forward positions.
According to Belano, Akomo has a very good work ethic and can play either as a role player or the team’s first option in offense.
“He is adjustable. He can be a role player or the first option in offense. A good catch, I can say,” Belano explained.
Aside from Akomo, UV also has two new players—shooter Angelo Babia and point guard Luther Huevos.
“Our ultimate goal is to win the PCCL (Philippine Collegiate Champions League) title. But the Cesafi title is our primary mission. Before we can get to the PCCL we first need to win the Cesafi,” added Belano.
UV won nine straight Cesafi titles before the University of Cebu Webmasters ended their winning run in 2010.
Last year, they failed to make the finals after they were booted out by the Southwestern University Cobras in the semifinals.