SAN BEDA proved it meant business to kick off its NCAA Season 101 campaign, courtesy of a 96-85 beatdown on the heavily-favored St. Benilde on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While guys like Bryan Sajonia, Janti Miller, Jimmy Reyes and Yukien Andrada took the spotlight for their respective offensive efforts, it would be foolish to overlook rookie big Zed Etulle who went toe-to-toe with the menacing Blazer bigs led by reigning MVP Allen Liwag and forward Justine Sanchez.
READ: San Beda sends statement by toppling fancied Benilde in opener
Numbers wise, Etulle already had a solid debut for the Red Lions as he finished with nine points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench – but it was his defensive effort each time he’s on the floor to give Andrada a breather which made him stood out.
“Alam naman natin na yung binibigay sa akin na pressure talaga ni coach. Pag wala si Kuya Yuks, ako yung dapat kailangan mag-step up,” Etulle said.
An added dimension
For coach Yuri Escueta, the arrival of the 6’5 Aklanon gives the Red Lions a more dynamic frontline.
While Andrade is known as more of a floor stretcher, Etulle gives a more physical approach with his ability to attack facing the basket, and grab rebounds.
“Malaking bagay si Zed kasi it brings a different dynamic sa four position namin,” Escueta said.
“Kasi for the longest time ang position namin sa four si Yuki, eh, which is a spacer and shooter. Si Zed is an attacker and can create. He has guard skills for his height and is a better rebounder than Yuki,” he added.
Loyal to the den
San Beda's a known destination among top recruits, Etulle wasn’t actually a highly sought-after prospect. He wasn't even recruited.
Rather, he was a walk-in tryout who had nothing to offer to the table other than raw potential and sheer hardwork.
“Noong nag walk-in siya, una, hindi kami sure. Sobrang payat niya eh, hindi pa siya ganyan katangkad tsaka kataba. Eh dahil masipag, sabi namin sa kanya, sige,” Escueta explained.
Despite showing promise complications arose as Etulle tried out late, and there were no scholarships left for Escueta and crew to give out.
Nevertheless, Etulle and his family were locked in on him making the team, and they found a way.
“Willing siya mag-San Beda kahit na wala siya scholarship. Nakusapin namin yung tito niya, magbabayad sila ng tuition niya. Tapos, pero eventually, nahanapan din namin sila ng scholarship,” Escueta shared.
As fortune would have it, San Beda got lucky with such a versatile forward stepping into their den and joining the team, scholarship or not.
With Etulle now activated for the season, Escueta isn’t just willing to utilize his skillset to the best of his abilities, but also to prepare him to be league-ready, whoever may decide to take a chance on him.
“Looking forward, magiging valuable piece of any pro-team. Especially may ganyan skillset siya. Nakakashoot din yan.”
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