“Make the most out of yourself”

(UV coach Gary tells players: Improve weakness, develop strength)

CEBU, Philippines — University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers head coach Gary Cortes joined the chorus of approval on the decision of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc to cancel the league’s entire 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We can’t do anything about the cancellation of the CESAFI Season 2020 because it is for the safety and welfare of everyone given the current situation,” said Cortes.

Since he took UV’s coaching reins from Felix “Donbel” Belano Jr. five years ago, Cortes guided the Lancers to a five straight finals appearances.

In his coaching debut with his beloved alma mater back in 2015, Cortes and the Lancers lost to the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in the 15th CESAFI Finals.

The Lancers bounced back bigtime though, completing a rare grandslam feat from 2016 to 2018 in a dominant show of force in Cebu’s premiere inter-school athletic league.

Their bid for fourth consecutive championship, however, was foiled by the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras last year.

For the time being, Cortes said they are just waiting for the decision of the Lancers management on what direction they are going to take in this CESAFI-less school year.

 “We’ll just have to wait for whatever is the decision of the UV management,” said Cortes. “We understand how busy our team manager Samsam Gullas is right now being the mayor of Talisay City also. We don’t want to add up to his burden. Basketball is always there afterall.”

As for his players, Cortes adviced them to do something productive and make the most out of themselves during these times preparatory for the better things ahead.

He wants to inculcate in their minds to keep the faith because it’s only the CESAFI season that is momentarily gone at this stage of their budding hardcourt careers and not their dreams.

“Since they don’t have school yet and team practice is still prohibited, I adviced them to stay at home and try to improve their weaknesses and develop their strengths individually,” said Cortes.

“It’s only the CESAFI season that is out for now in their sporting life but their ambitions will remain. We all know that in due time, the sport of basketball that we love most will be back.”