San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta lauded his sophomore guard in Jacob Cortez for his patience amidst getting limited minutes in NCAA Season 98.
The second-generation star was only averaging 13.36 minutes per game, where he was able to post norms of 5.13 points, 2.27 rebounds, and 1.53 assists behind his veterans James Kwekuteye and Peter Alfaro.
But in an all-important match against Jose Rizal University on Saturday, Cortez' patience finally paid off as he steered the Red Lions to a 70-61 win and strengthened their twice-to-beat bid.
"Pinakanabilib ako sa kanya 'yung how he stayed ready and patient. Usually pag may ganyang player na di mo ginagamit, nagmamaktol, mababa energy," shared Escueta.
"'Di mo masisi yun kasi being young and immature, may ganyan. Pero wala akong masabi sa batang yan. He stayed patient, he stayed ready."
Against the Heavy Bombers, Cortez led the Mendiola crew with a team-high 15 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists as San Beda ascended to 12-5.
For his part, Cortez shared it was all because the confidence Escueta has been giving him.
"That's what I've been doing since nung juniors pa ako and nung last season sa San Beda pero now, it was a new system kasi nga new coaching staff pero Coach Yuri has been helping me and he's been telling me to stay ready," the 20-year-old son of former PBA star Mike Cortez said.
"I have confidence in him and he gives me confidence and today it just showed."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
