SPAIN was the site for San Beda's overseas training in preparation for NCAA Season 101.
It was in Malaga, in particular, where the Red Lions hoped to learn the European style of play that has produced half of the last 10 NBA MVPs.
According to head coach Yuri Escueta, European basketball exemplifies team play more than others, something San Beda hopes to re-establish and reinforce in their game plan.
“Less 1-on-1s and more on execution and off-ball movement,” Escueta said. “‘Yun ‘yung something na hopefully matutunan namin doon and ma-adapt namin.”
Leading the teaching was coach Luis Guil, head coach of Palencoa Baloncesto and defensive coordinator of the Spanish national team. Guil was also once lead tactician to Kiefer Ravena during his stint with the Shiga Lakestars in the B.League.
“Tinuruan niya kami ng mga defensive concepts ng national team nila. Hindi naman lahat of course gagawin namin, pero it’s nice that we have that in our back pockets,” he said.
Aside from tactics, the Red Lions also got to test their arsenal, winning three out of four tuneup games throughout their two-week stay. Their only loss came at the hands of Unicaja’s 18-U squad.
Red Lions touch base with Jose Calderon
Even better, San Beda also got a pep talk from one of the most storied European players in José Calderón.
The Spanish player was an integral part of his nation's podium-finishing Olympic squads, and preserved a 14-year-long NBA career where he saw a finals berth in 2018 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As Escueta detailed, “Ang pinaka-learning namin is yung how to play smart basketball. Kasi unlike Americans, hindi tayo kasing-athletic at kasinglalaki nila.”
“Sabi niya sa amin, since wala nga siyang advantage in strength and athleticism, ang pinaka-main advantage niya sa world man o sa NBA is ‘yung kanyang basketball IQ,” he added.
READ: JRU rebuild gets off the ground with big win vs San Beda
With the rest of the field loading up for the NCAA wars, it just got tougher for the Red Lions to improve on their fourth-place finish in Season 100.
The good news is that, of course, the proud program from Mendiola is stepping up its game, too.
“Maraming learnings. At the same time, good experience din na team-building for everyone,” Escueta said.
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