![AFRICAN BIGMAN. Midiaga Akpofure Ojarikre will be the main to cover the center for the Soaring Falcons starting June 27, 20024 in the Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invitational Basketball tournament. (Photo by Kjay Edorot)](https://mindanaotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sports-1-5.jpg)
AFRICAN BIGMAN. Midiaga Akpofure Ojarikre will be the main to cover the center for the Soaring Falcons starting June 27, 20024 in the Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invitational Basketball tournament. (Photo by Kjay Edorot)
MindanaoToday.com | Bayugan Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invt’l cage tourney starts June 27
By: Jack Biantan
Schedule of Games
JUNE 27,2024
8:00 am Perpetual vs UV: 10:00 am Adamson vs San Beda 2:00 pm EAC vs UV
4:00 pm LGU BAYUGAN vs ALL Star Coaches Game 1
6:00 pm : Adamson VS Perpetual 8:00 pm : San Beda VS EAC
JUNE 28, 2024
8:00 am Adamson VS UV 10:00 am Perpetual VS San Beda 2:00 pm EAC vs Adamson 4 pm LGU BAYUGAN vs ALL Star Coaches Game 2
6:00 pm UV Vs San Beda 8:00 pm EAC vs Perpetual
JUNE 29, 2024
9:00 am LGU BAYUGAN vs ALL Star Coaches Game 3: 1:00 pm Battle for 3rd
3:00 pm CHAMPIONSHIP
BAYUGAN, Agusan del Sur — Despite of losing ‘The King Falcon’ Jerome Lastimosa here in this tournament last year, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons are determined to soar high this year as they lead three other Big City teams and one from Cebu City to try to capture the cash rich Bayugan Mayor Kirk Asis Invitational Open Basketball tournament title.
The Lastimosa less Falcons will play two matches on Thursday (June 27), first against San Beda at 10 am then against Perpetual at 6 pm.
“We are in deep preparation for the coming UAAP cage wars and this tournament is one of the best way to prepare the team, “ said assistant coach Rommel Adducul, who spoke on behalf of head coach Raoul Cesar Racela.
![](http://mindanaotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sports-1-6-300x200.jpg)
Adducul admits that it is difficult to fill up the void that Lastimosa left and it will be very difficult to compete against top UAAP team contenders like defending champion LaSalle, then UP and Ateneo later in the UAAP.
However, he thanked the LGU of Bayugan for inviting his team. “This tournament is an excellent preparation for us, thank you Mayor Kirk Asis, “ he said.
Aside from Lastimosa Adamson lost some key players but has acquired many young rookies. However, the Falcons still has the reliable Cebuano slasher Joshua Cabilin Yerro, 6ft5 left handed banger Cedrick Manzano and of course their 6ft10 African center Midiaga Akpofure Ojarikre.
![](http://mindanaotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sports-1-300x200.png)
The rookies to watch are the Fil-Am twin brothers Cade Ronzone, and Austin Lee Ranzone.
Completing their cast are Carl William Alexander, Mathew Jacob Montebon, John Mathroven Erolan, Jhon Arthur Calisay, Emmanuel Anabo, Kenji Laurence Canete, Royce Mantua, Clever Dignadice, Zylldgian Sicat, Justin Allen Ignacio, and Anthony John Franzman.
Aside from Racela and Adducul, the Falcons coaching staff include Jim Ryan Betia, and Gilbert Yu Lao.
Without the defending champion the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, the Falcons are considered faves because of their ceiling and the presence of their African import Ajarikre.
The absence of ‘The King Falcon’ Jerome Lastimosa have cause suffering in the Falcon’s camp last year. That was one reason why the Falcons failed to enter the ‘Magic four’ finishing fifth in the elimination round with a record of 7-wins, 7-loss slate.
Lastimosa suffered an ACL injury in this tournament last year, but Adamson took care of his rehabilitation and he is back on the hard court getting ready for the PBA draft this year.
The Dumaguete native and former national team player is no longer qualified to play in the UAAP this year.
The question now will be who will replace Lastimosa in the back court? That will be answered on Thursday (June 27) at the Mayor Asia Open Basketball tournament. It will be difficult to replace the ‘King Falcon’ but maybe Adamson could discover ‘A Prince Falcon’. (jackbiantan@yahoo.com)
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