UNIVERSITY of Visayas spoiled Britt Reroma's first game back in the Cebu basketball scene, dealing his University of San Carlos team a 74-77 defeat in the juniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) on Saturday.
Reroma considers the loss as part of the “growing pains” in his bid to turn the Baby Warriors into title contenders coming off a long stint as coach of the San Beda Red Cubs, easily the most successful high school team in the country.
“I guess the main difference between San Beda and (University of) San Carlos is that San Beda had the championship heart already whereas the Warriors are still trying to win one,” said Reroma, who previously played for Don Bosco in Cebu before being tapped by Ato Badolato to play for San Beda.
But USC sealed its own fate when wingman Paul Galinato suddenly pulled up for a two-pointer instead of heaving a potential game-tying three-pointer.
Compounding USC’s woes is the disqualification of Scott Aying, the former San Beda Red Cub, due to residency issues. Aying, son of former PBA player Danny Aying, was expected to become the anchor of USC’s frontline.
Still, Reroma remains hopeful about the Baby Warriors' season.
“We just have to keep our focus and keep working hard in practice. I always remind the team to play as one unit,” said Reroma.
And despite the painful start, Reroma is pleased to be back in his hometown.
“It’s exciting to be coaching in the Cesafi, especially since this is my hometown,” he said.
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