Undoubtedly, Yuri Escueta stands out as one of the most astute tacticians in the current collegiate coaching landscape. However, having a cadre of brilliant minds supporting him is equally beneficial.
With the legendary Norman Black and the multi-titled Boyet Fernandez leading the supporting crew alongside a bevy of young, hungry coaches, Escueta was able to lead San Beda to the NCAA Season 99 title.
The sophomore head coach couldn't be more grateful to have these men with him on the journey.
NORMAN, BOYET BRING EXPERIENCE
“Very important. Very very important, coach Boyet and coach Norman with their championship experience, and even the rest of the guys,” Escueta said, while also paying tribute his other assistant coaches like Andre Santos, Alex Angeles, Jenkins Mesina, Francis Cruz, and Ralph Peneuela.
“They really work hard. I listen to the two head coaches, I listen to the younger ones, we debate on everything, we talk about it, para kaming nasa war room during coaches meeting. The most important thing about it is we have fun when we’re together.”
Working with two coaches with PBA titles and successful dynasties in both the NCAA and the UAAP could pose a challenge, but Black and Fernandez express nothing but positive sentiments about this collaborative journey.
“Coach Norman is the head consultant. I’ve always been the assistant coach-slash-consultant. He was my coach before in Pop Cola, and sa Gilas kasama ko rin si coach Norman, so ako yung bridge ng team, ako yung joker kay coach Norman kasi baka nahihiya sila kay coach Norman. Wala kang makikitang ego eh, ang ganda ng team eh,” said Fernandez, the architect of San Beda’s four championships and also a one-time PBA champion coach with Sta. Lucia.
“I’m happy to be part of this coaching staff. No regrets for me. I’m happy to be here with San Beda, I’m happy to be part of this championship, and bringing the crowd back to San Beda.”
Black, whose resume includes a PBA grand slam and five straight UAAP titles with Ateneo, tipped his hat to his former player for being so easy to work with.
“Yuri is very open-minded. He listens very well. He’s also hard-working and well-prepared. It was very easy to work with him, I think not just myself but the combination of the entire coaching staff is another reason why we won a championship,” he said.
ESCUETA DEDICATES WIN TO FERNANDEZ
Perhaps the most interesting guy on Escueta’s support crew is Fernandez – the man he replaced last year in the coaching job.
Following one of the most agonizing finals defeats in San Beda's history, where their near-perfect season was disrupted by Letran in 2019, and a relatively mediocre performance in the bubble, the Red Lions decided to replace Fernandez in Season 98. However, they requested him to remain on board as one of their consultants.
And as they hoist the trophy once more, Escueta couldn’t be more grateful to Fernandez for staying.
“Sabi ko nga kay coach Boyet, para sa kanya ‘to eh. Wala naman ako dapat andito. Kung hindi naman nangyari yung mga nangyari during the bubble, I shouldn’t be here,” he said.
“Parang ano lang ako dito eh, babysitter. Sabi ko team niya to.”
For Fernandez, it’s all about helping San Beda get back to the pinnacle of the tournament.
“I’m surprised but I thank Coach Yuri for that. I lost that in 2019, I’m happy we got that back for San Beda with coach Yuri,” Fernandez said.
“Ito ang pinakamasarap na coaching staff kasi buo e. Talagang one page kami everytime. Talagang magcchampion kami.”
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