San Beda’s James Kwekuteye. NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—James Kwekuteye is off to a torrid start in his final NCAA season for San Beda and he attributes his early success to new head coach Yuri Escueta.
Kwekuteye has nothing but praise for Escueta, who was tapped to replace Boyet Fernandez last July.
“I really like coach Yuri, he’s a really good coach. He’s very positive and detailed, if you make a mistake, he’ll worry about the next play,” he said after finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists to lead San Beda’s 85-56 rout of Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday.
The graduating guard has been the team’s leading scorer this season, averaging 15 points on top of 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists in 26.5 minutes through two games.
Kwekuteye is also shooting 50 percent from the field including 46.4 percent from the three-point area in the young NCAA season.
The playmaker said Escueta’s attitude toward the team has been a big boost for the Red Lions.
“He’ll lift you up and not put you down, no negative vibes or anything, so I really like him as our coach,” he said.