Jacob Cortez celebrates with the San Beda crowd during an NCAA Final Four game against Lyceum.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said there’s no hard feelings between the Red Lions and former player Jacob Cortez.
Cortez transferred to La Salle just less than a month after helping San Beda regain the NCAA title.
“It’s his dream to play for DLSU so we didn’t stop him. I said, ‘thank you and good luck,’ but even before, I already knew but I just didn’t want to say it first because it’s not my right,” said Escueta recently. “Even before the season, though, I already knew.”
Escueta, though, bared that Cortez son was supposed to play for San Beda for two more years.
With that not coming to fruition anymore, the TNT assistant in the PBA said he’s still thankful that Cortez was able to help bring the title back to San Beda before the guard left.
“He committed for two more years but due to whatever reason, I’m just glad we became champions before he left.”
“As I’ve said, we’ll just continue improving but anytime he (Cortez) needs advice, he can call me. We’re good, relationship-wise, I just couldn’t stop him because as a coach, you want to see players reach their dreams. A part of his dream is to play for DLSU because of his dad.”
Cortez averaged 15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals in San Beda’s championship run in the NCAA Season 99.