For hosting the first leg of the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 Patriot’s Cup presented by Coca-Cola, Cebu was represented by two teams last Sunday.
League mainstays Cebu MAX4-Birada were joined by guest team Southwestern University Cobras for the first of five stops in the FIBA Quest-level tourney.
Though younger than the rest of the field, the Cobras did not back down in Pool B.
SWU did not make it out of the group stages but the quartet of Shaq Imperial, Dyul Roncal, Red Cachuela, and Lamine Thiam put up valiant stands against the Mindoro Tamaraws (18-19) and Wilkins-Balanga Pure (16-21).
And it was because of the fine play of incoming Senegalese rookie Lamine Thiam.
“It was not easy but we tried to adapt during the games. We are glad that we were able to give a good showing,” shared the 20-year-old after playing in front of a packed SM Seaside City Cebu Events Center.
Though standing at 6-foot-6, Thiam showed flashes of his perimeter moves that drew oohs and aahs from the crowd. His best highlight was a massive crossover against Prince Orizu that led to a tough layup that became the play of the day.
Facing imports Orizu and Ray Miller, Thiam showed that he can keep up with the big boys. Moreover, he now knows what he needs to improve on for the upcoming CESAFI season.
“It’s a very good experience for me. But it showed me that I have to work harder.”
