San Beda University opened the year with a shaky roster as several of its rising stars decided to leave the Red Lions' den for other opportunities outside the school.
Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Gab Cometa all transferred to De La Salle-College Saint Benilde while James Kwekuteye, who now has elevated to the professional ranks, was supposed to still have one more playing year but decided to forego.
However, head coach Yuri Escueta credited his holdovers who he said 'owned up' and did the grunt work in the tough offseason.
"Sabi ko nga, the start of the year was really tough on us because we lost our starters, lahat ng position covered nila eh. We lost our starting shooting guard, our small forward, and our potential starting point guard," Escueta said following their 85-61 win over Arellano University on Tuesday.
(I told them the start of the year was really tough on us because we lost our starters, all their positions are covered.)
"It was tough on the team but I have to give credit to the players that they really owned up and said this is our team."
"They did the work during the preseason, they made sure they’re ready when the NCAA comes."
True enough, the players who stayed showed they could carry the Mendiola crew.
Against the rebuilding Chiefs, third year guard Jacob Cortez showed the way with 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting from downtown alongside three rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
He got enough lift from James Payosing and Damie Cuntapay, who churned out 13 markers apiece while Yukien Andrada and Peter Alfaro chipped in 12 and 11 points as five players finished with double digit scoring.
Still, Escueta said it's too early to be confident, stressing they have to be better as the season moves forward, especially that they are looking to return to the finals after two consecutive absences.
"We still have a long way to go. Arellano played tough, especially in the second half and as the season progresses, I’m sure other teams will play tougher so we have to be ready for those kind of games," Escueta added.
"We have to be better and manage those kinds of defense against us."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
