CESAFI coaches spliton NBA Finals picks

SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte, Philippines — Coaches of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) gave diverse views on the possible outcome of the NBA Finals trilogy between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors that will begin four days from now.

The legendary Raul 'Yayoy' Alcoseba, now head coach of the University of Cebu Webmasters, prognosticated that the best-of-seven series will last the full distance with the Warriors prevailing in the end.

"It's the Warriors in seven," said Alcoseba, arguably the winningest coach in Cebu basketball history. "I think the Warriors are hungrier this time because they have an unfinished business against the Cavs."

Alcoseba, of course, is referring to last year's finals wherein the Warriors, after taking a solid 3-1 lead, suffered a monumental collapse on the way to yield their crown to the Cavs.

Alcoseba, who guided the Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras to two CESAFI championships in five seasons before hooking up with the Webmasters just last month, said the presence of All-Star forward Kevin Durant is an added boost for the Warriors as they seek payback against the Cavs.

With Durant playing alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Alcoseba foresees an interesting match-up between the Warriors and the equally formidable force of the Cavs powered by four-time MVP LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.

     While all eyes on the clash of superstars, Alcoseba said the bench is a crucial determining factor of the series.

"Given the superstars from both sides, I think the bench will play a key role in the series. In the end, it all boils down on whose bench will deliver," he added.

Mike Reyes, the longtime  assistant of Alcoseba who now assumes his post as chief strategist of the SWU Cobras, concurs with the theory of his former chief although they have a dissenting opinion on the final outcome.

"Actually, I'm not in the best position to make any prediction because I haven't watched even a single NBA game this season," said Reyes. "But I think the Cavs have the advantage because of LeBron James. Nobody can't stop them."

But like Alcoseba, Reyes said the role of bench will be crucial in the series.

"It depends on how the bench will respond because it is crucial in a seven-game series," said Reyes.

While the Warriors have Andre Igoudala, Shaun Livingston, David West and Javel Mcgee, the Cavs have Kyle Korver, Richard Jefferson, Iman Shumpert and Deron Williams to dig from their deep bench.

On his end, University of the Visayas Green Lancers coach Gary Cortes tabbed the Cavs to emerge victorious in Game 6.

  "I'm for Cavs in six games," said Cortes, who won a CESAFI title in his only second year as bench tactician of the Lancers.  "Aside from having LeBron James, without question the most dominant player on the planet today, the Cavs also peaked at the right time. That will surely make a difference in the series. Their recruits also proved that they are worthy members of the champion team."

 Sought for his two cent's worth, UC assistant coach Caleb Gawangon favors Cavs mainly because of the LeBron James factor.

"He's (James) not only an explosive, all-around player, he's also a leader who can create situations for his teammates when it matters most," said Gawangon.

For University of San Carlos Warriors head coach Bong Abad,  James is already a constant exponent of the success of every team he leads.

"More than LeBron James, I think the Cavs have an advantage over the Warriors experience wise. Their new players like Korver and Williams are also a big help to the team because they provide strong support to their star players," said Abad, who was fortunate enough to win a PBA title in his rookie year with San Miguel Beermen in 1993 together with some of the country's basketball greats in Ramon Fernandez, Hector Calma and Samboy Lim among others.

   "I am not discounting the Warriors because they're also a talented team, but I am rooting for the Cavs in the series I expected to reach seven games," Abad added.

The Warriors carry a 12-0 record as they head into their third straight NBA Finals showdown with the Cavs that will begin on Friday (June 2) at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

The Cebuano coaches may differ in their standpoints but one thing for sure is that it's going to be one hell of a championship battle worth watching for. (FREEMAN)