By MARK REY MONTEJO
Yuri Escueta is expecting a much tougher challenge ahead as the reigning champion San Beda University begins its title defense in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Escueta witnessed how resilient his team was last year after facing eliminations a couple of times, the Red Lions still managed to overcome the adversity and even managed to outwit the top-seed Mapua Cardinals for their first in four years and 23rd overall crown in the grand old league.
The youthful coach is optimistic of his squad’s title defense although he is fully aware that challenges may arise along the way.
“Of course, coming to this season, I’m positive about it. So, I believe that every time we start the season now, we’re going to perform well,” said Escueta after accepting the Collegiate Press Corps’ NCAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year award recently.
“But again, there’s going to be challenges,” he added.
And the challenge he meant could come from the numerous departures of his key players including skipper Peter Alfaro and star guard Jacob Cortez, who transferred to La Salle.
“All the teams are strong. I think we’re the ones who are weak. So, it’s going to be a challenge this coming season for us. But again, it’s going to be a challenge for us this year, just like last year, so hopefully, we get things right when the time comes,” he added.
Even playing without Alfaro and Cortez, the Red Lions still have plenty of weapons on their arsenal in Finals MVP James Payosing, Yukien Andrada and Jomel Puno, who all played pivotal roles in the Red Lions’ campaign that was capped by a Finals upset of the Mapua Cardinals.
San Beda also has new faces to bolster its lineup in Bryan Sajonia, RC and Richi Calimag, Penny Estacio, and big man Joe Celzo although Escueta is tempering expectations
“It’s going to take time for them to get used to what we’re trying to do. Just like what happened to Jacob, not overnight,” said Escueta. “We got what we were trying to do. And I believe that these guys can step in and do what we need from the guys like Jacob, Peter, and the other guys, our bigs,” he added.
San Beda closed out its elimination games with a 12-6 win-loss record to barge into the twice-to-win semifinals where it stunned the Lyceum Pirates on its way to finals.
