Ilonggo tactician named as Negros’ assistant coach in upcoming MPBL season

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

One of Iloilo’s best basketball coaches will be seeing action in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Jophil Cercado, University of San Agustin’s basketball men’s head coach, was tapped by the newest team to join the MPBL, the Negros Mascuvados in their upcoming 4^th season this June.

Remembered as the man who brought San Agustin memorable PRISAA and regional tournament wins, Cercado was a top-tier candidate for the Negros squad and was already in negotiations with them last January.

The lone Ilonggo was asked to render his coaching expertise behind head coach Rolando “Gerom” Aledron Jr. and will form one of the greatest coaching tandems in Western Visayas basketball.

“This is a new challenge for me and for sure this will be a great experience. Wala gd ako perdehun diri because this is only once in a lifetime nga baskeball opportunity,” said Cercado in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

Cercado bared that team Negros already started their individual conditioning training and skills enhancement preparation because team scrimmages are still not allowed by the IATF.

When asked what he can bring to the Muscovados, Cercado answered he is focused on just two things: desire and dedication.

“Desire and dedication ko sa pag preparar sang teams ang dako ko nga mabulig sa team. Halin sang una, I love to develop players especially sa mga underdog nga mga teams,” added Cercado.