NCAA: Yuri Escueta confident San Beda holdovers can get job done

San Beda forward Yukien Andrada during the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball Finals. Andrada is expected to be the Red Lions’ leader in NCAA Season 100.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—It’s a new era for San Beda and coach Yuri Escueta is welcoming the challenge with open arms alongside his holdovers from their Season 99 championship run.

Without its star guard Jacob Cortez, Escueta is moving on with the Red Lions in pursuit of back-to-back titles in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

According to Escueta, rising forward Yukien Andrada will have big shoes to fill, particularly in the veteran leadership side of things for San Beda.

READ: San Beda begins title defense vs Lyceum to open NCAA Season 100

Reigning #NCAASeason99 champion coach Yuri Escueta talks about a new era in San Beda for Season 100. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/HF6XUF0Bbe

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) September 3, 2024

And while that’s a tough order for the fourth-year player, Escueta is confident Andrada has what it takes to get the job done.

“We know Yuki as a leader,” said Escueta during a press conference at Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.

“Last year, he showed signs of leadership already. He learned well from players who graduated so I’m very confident that he’s leading our team for Season 100 as we defend the championship.”

Andrada may not have been the leading scorer for San Beda last year but he made quite the impact averaging 12.81 points and 5.63 rebounds per game.

Now, he’s ready to lead the Lions’ repeat bid.

But Andrada isn’t the only mainstay that is being expected by Escueta to step up.

READ: NCAA: Yukien Andrada expected to be San Beda’s new top dog

San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

James Payosing is also another key player that the Red Lions will turn to for Season 100.

After all, he didn’t win the Season 99 Finals MVP for nothing.

“Hopefully, he plays the same role he played last year. He even became Finals MVP. If he can play a bigger role, hopefully he does, in terms of not just scoring and rebounding but also in leadership and being a good example for the other guys.”

Payosing showed glimpses of his all-around game at the best time possible for San Beda in the championship round where the Lions edged the Mapua Cardinals in three games.

The Surigao native averaged 9.7 points and 12.0 rebounds in the Finals to help the Red Lions end their five-year wait for a title.

It’s easy to look back and ponder what could’ve been, especially with the departure of Cortez, who jumped ship from Mendiola to Taft to boost La Salle. However, Escueta doesn’t want to dwell too much on something he doesn’t have any control over.

READ: No hard feelings between Jacob Cortez, San Beda says Yuri Escueta

Escueta, instead, is focusing on his mainstays as they try to extend San Beda’s reign.

“Whenever there’re transfers from us, I don’t concern myself with it anymore,” Escueta said in Filipino when asked about the offseason frenzy in the collegiate basketball scene.

“It’s not like I don’t want them because they left but I just appreciate those who stayed a bit more. I saw their loyalties and gratefulness for the school and the basketball program.”

San Beda opens its title-retention bid on Saturday against host Lyceum.