JACOB Cortez bid San Beda goodbye and announced his intentions to switch to another collegiate league early Thursday morning, the first step in an anticipated move to La Salle.
The San Beda superstar posted a lengthy farewell message to the Red Lion community while expressing interest in playing in the UAAP.
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Cortez was among the key players as the Red Lions captured the NCAA Season 99 title in December 2023, ending a seven-year championship drought.
“With great difficulty, I have decided that my time as a Red Lion is closing… I need to get out of my comfort zone,” he said.
COLUMN: Expect Baclaan, Cortez to be in La Salle green soon
“With that, I plan to compete in the UAAP.”
The announcement is seen as the first step in his journey to La Salle, where his dad Mike played in the school's championship teams in the nineties.
Cortez ended a three-year stint with San Beda recalling how it all started.
"I have had THE BEST time at San Beda. From playing as a rookie fresh out of high school in an isolating yet invigorating bubble season to helping bring back the crown where it belongs after many have counted San Beda out," he continued.
Then, he expressed love for the supporters of the university, giving credit to his colleagues,
Still, the most unforgettable part of the past couple of years has been all of you. Along the journey, I’ve truly met people who I can call family now," he added.
San Beda alums and a few other players graced the comments section to wish Cortez farewell.
Phoenix forward Javee Mocon said: "Thanks for the championship brother! All the best!"
"GL on your next chapter bro," Jared Dillinger commented.
His San Beda teammate Yukien Andrada also weighed in: "King Lion."
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