IT might have only been less than two years since San Beda won its record 23rd NCAA men’s basketball title, but for this proud institution, it has been a long, grueling wait.
That’s why ahead of NCAA Season 101, the goal for coach Yuri Escueta and these Red Lions are clear – reclaim the crown.
“Well of course, ang expectation namin is to get that championship back. That's what we're preparing for and that's what we are visualizing,” he said.
San Beda was given the boot by St. Benilde in last season’s final four, losing the chance to even defend their championship on the finals stage.
With more time together, and with two of their prized recruits now eligible to play, Escueta is expecting nothing less from his boys.
“Last year kasi, it was a different group of guys. All the guys were doing residency tapos naglaro,” he said.
This time around, the team from Mendiola will be bolstered by West Coast combo guards Jimmy Reyes and Janti Miller.
Reyes hails from California State University, San Bernardino, a Division II school in the States counterpart of the NCAA.
Meanwhile, Miller was a long-recruited prospect from Casper College, a Division I institution from the National Junior College Athletic Association.
“So this year, parang we are more used to playing with one another. So parang ito yung second year of this team together,” Escueta added.
No excuses this time
While they missed several players last year, Escueta shared that some of his players who were available last year could have done better.
He’s challenging guys like Nygel Gonzales to bounce back after a forgettable Season 100 – especially as he’s set to get a bigger role in this Red Lions squad this year.
“Medyo let down yung last season ni Nygel [Gonzales] coming off his rookie year. So with the bigger role that he's playing now, kailangan na talaga mag-step up,” Escueta said.
Another key player to look out for is Zed Etulle, someone Escueta has big expectations on especially as he's set to fill the gap left by forward and former NCAA Finals MVP, James Payosing.
“I think he will give a big boost for us. Galing pa siyang 3x3 ng SBP doon sa China.”
Given all the pieces they have now, Escueta is confident that they have the tools to go all the way – granted that they work for it.
“Very flexible naman yung line-up namin. May mga teams kasi that play big, may mga teams that play small. And if we see that we have an advantage, yun yung line-up tayo gagamitin namin.”
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