Happy Birthday, Jose Cadel Mosqueda ( May 19 )
Aris Garcia
Happy Birthday, Jose Cadel Mosqueda
Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)
1990 PBA Rookie Draft 11th overall pick
Arellano University Flaming Arrow forward
Pepsi Cola utility man
CADEL MOSQUEDA, JR. Because big men like Peter Aguilar and Zaldy Realubit moved over to the PBA early this year, power forward Cadel Mosqueda had no alternative but to play center for Swift-Squeeze which had to make do with a badly depleted line-up. And Mosqueda's been impressive thus far. After the elims, he has emerged as the second leading rebounder of the league with an average of 9.66 per game behind the 11.11 of Crispa's Joseph Pelaez. "Nabibigyan ako ng breaks dahil kulang kami satao ngayon," said the 6-3 Mosqueda who has been with the Concepcion franchise since 1986. Cadel was born on May 18, 1965 to Cadel, Sr. and Cristeta Romarate. His father is Muslim but he claims he's Christian. "Wala namang problema 'yon," said Cadel, the eldest of two kids, the other being Zarlan. Cadel saw light in Cebu City but studies at the University of Mindanao in Davao City where he took up Commerce. He played for the Davao All-Stars under Arturo Sumalinog during the first tournament of the PABL.. Among his teammates then was Alvin Teng, last year's Most Improved Player awardee of the PBA. With the All-Stars, he impressed Manila scouts and the following conference, he showed up donning the Arellano University jersey. After three tournaments with Arellano, he moved over to Swift and has been with the Concepcion ballclub through thick and thin. "Okay naman ang management. All out ang support nila sa kanilang players. Wala na akong hahanapin pa dito sa RFM," said Cadel, who has never received offers from any PBA team. Players have come and gone at RFM. Cadel has served as reliever for the likes of Alvin Patrimonio, Aguilar and Realubit. And now that they're gone, his time has come to shine. "Ako naman, kung ano ang sabihin ng coach ko sa akin, sinusunod ko lang," he added. Aside from being the top rebounder of Swift, Cadel also averages 6.5 points and 1.4 assists. He also had a steal, six interceptions and eight blocked shots after the elims. "Tagilid na kami dito sa semis dahil dalawa na ang talo namin. But we're not losing hope. If we sweep our remaining games, we can still make the finals," said Cadel, who roots for Fernandez and Boston Celtics' Larry Bird.
