Jacob Cortez will have to wait a year for the chance to drape another championship net. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Jacob Cortez has always been on La Salle coach Topex Robinson’s radar. So when the chance to land the young playmaker cropped up, the champion mentor didn’t think twice.
“He’s from our grassroots program, so the whole community wants to bring him (back), as they see him as someone who is their own. And I’ve been looking at our time after Evan (Nelle). So when the opportunity came about, the first thing I thought was we have to move mountains,” Robinson told the Inquirer on Friday.
“Everything just worked out,” he added.
Cortez, a key cog in San Beda University’s return as National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion, announced earlier on Friday that he will be joining the Green Archers program and basically follow in the footsteps of his father Mike, another champion La Salle guard.
READ: Mike Cortez turns emotional as son Jacob wins NCAA title with San Beda
In reeling in the second-generation talent, Robinson and La Salle gain a new playmaker with a wealth of playing in high-stakes games and several years of eligibility left—something that would be crucial in the Archers’ bid to repeat in the UAAP.
And Robinson made it no secret that he had always wanted to land the young Cortez.
“You know, I’ve been wanting to pursue him since last year. Even before he played that NCAA season,” Robinson shared. “It’s good that he won a championship there. And Jacob is from La Salle Green Hills so what more can we ask (for)?”
READ: Jacob Cortez admits receiving offers from other schools after San Beda title
Robinson said that a part of his fascination for the younger Cortez was his affinity with Mike, who helped the Taft-based school to consecutive championships from 2000.
“Mike and I were never teammates, but we were part of the same era. We grew up together by playing in the same arenas and playing the same position, so that’s the common ground,” he said.
“And Jacob’s also a point guard, and Mike’s an esteemed alumnus. So, really, it’s a no-brainer.”
The young Cortez averaged 15.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Red Lions in the run-up to their first championship in five years.
Delivering another title for the Archers, however, will have to wait as Cortez is expected to serve a red-shirt year—a sit-out policy for transferees.