Kapatagan, a province in Lanao Del Norte, has signed up to play in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup’s Mindanao Leg, becoming the ninth team in the field.
It was a sudden decision that was only finalized last week.
Despite having only a few weeks to prepare, Buffalo Braves head coach Cris Bautista is embracing the challenge from team owner Harrison Young.
“It all started when they offered me a head coaching job sa WNBL. After that, hindi natuloy yun kaya inoffer nila sa akin yung VisMin Cup,” said Bautista as he almost landed a gig with Pacific Water.
“This is a new challenge for me.”
The Buffalo Braves backcourt will consist of Teytey Teodoro, Renz Palma, Ryan Costelo, and Shaq Alanes.
Also tapped by the team are Letran’s Christian Fajarito and Alex Mandreza.
Joining Fajarito in the frontline are Jay Ar Ng Sang, Jamil Gabawan, and homegrown big Paul Siarot.
Completing the squad are Eduardo Doroteo, King Astrero, Genmar Bragais, Marlon Monte, and Lanao Del Norte’s own Joel Sollano, Carlos Tabaquero, Jeames Incio, and Jeoffrey Acain.
“Ang maganda sa backcourt natin ngayon is hindi ako nag-rerely sa pure point guards sa lineup ko. Ang real point guard sa team ko is Ryan lang. Lahat ng perimeter ko like sila Teytey and Renz can bring the ball down and set plays,” said Bautista, who will be joined by Al Vergara, Dabert Candado, Nino Matig-A, and Timoteo Gatchalian on the sidelines.
“This is going to be a running team.”
With limited training time, Bautista is not setting lofty goals for his team. Instead, he plans to take it one game at a time.
“Ang problema ko ngayon, yung ibang teams nasa Mindanao na. Pero once we get there, I hope na we can fast-track games. Sa games na lang kami mag-aadjust. Kaya our goal is to make the playoffs first.”
