Mandaue to bank on fighting heart, winning spirit in PSL U21 tourney

CEBU, Philippines —  As a newcomer in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL), a gargantuan task lies ahead of Sherilin Plastic-Unisol Mandaue City.

But coach Gerald Ylaya said they are ready to rise above the challenge as they vie for hardcourt supremacy in the VisMin leg of the PSL Under 21 Aspirants Division Second Conference set to kick off on July 7 at the Cebu City Sports Institute.

Mandaue is one of the six Cebu teams led by defending champion Consolacion Sarok Weavers that will be  seeing action in the 45-day tilt featuring some of the best U21 ballers across the Visayas and Mindanao region. The others are the ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu City Chiefs, San Fernando Buffalos, Bogo City Bogoys, and Team Asturias.

They will be challenged by four visiting teams from Mindanao in Davao Occidental Dreamers, Davao de Oro Future Hopes, Cagayan de Oro Sealcor Kingfishers, and Bukidnon Cowboys.

Mandaue is bannered by eight homegrown talents in Zylle Cabellon, Ramon Singson, Anthony Xander Cabatingan, Vlanz Villaro Cinco, Ian Chester Abboc, Christopher Isabelo, Daryl Guerrero, and Stephen Joash Cutamora.

They are backed up by local players JZ Dizon and Sam Melicor of Lapu-Lapu City, VJ Baruc, Jonathan Moses Manalilin, Santos Go, and Acer Romeo Michael Go of Cebu City, Joshua Mamites Himang of Minglanilla, Aureo Real and Christian Carl Sollano of Talisay City, Johndel Balazuela of Bogo City, Kyrie Banzon of Carmen, and Ehman Suarez of Sibonga.

“We have talented players and the challenge is how to make them work together, identify their strengths and weaknesses and make them compliment each other,” said Ylaya, a champion player and coach during his glorious years with the University of the Visayas (UV) Lancers.

“I hope I can pass to them my passion for the game,” added Ylaya. “We will play our hearts out and we will play to win.”

More than winning the coveted the championship, Ylaya said they will embark on their maiden PSL journey carrying a much heavier mission on their backs.

“Our goal is to give our boys good exposure and experience and at the same time give the basketball fans of Cebu exciting games every time we’re on the playing court,” said Ylaya.

“Most importantly, we want to instill discipline and winning spirit to our team especially that we are representing Mandaue City. Hopefully with their exposure in the PSL, reputable schools will be giving these kids scholarships and good college education,” Ylaya concluded.