Jacob Cortez' former teammates in San Beda University wished him the best as he made official his transfer to De La Salle University.
Yukien Andrada, one of Cortez' batchmates in the Mendiola crew, said he is proud of his former teammate's decision.
"Siyempre masakit sa amin na umalis si Jacob pero proud ako sa kanya," Andrada told GMA Integrated News on Friday, hours after Cortez announced his transfer to Taft Avenue.
"Siguro nga, he's been telling din that to me na dream niya makapaglaro sa UAAP so happy ako kay Jacob and I hope successful 'yung career niya," he added.
(Of course, it's sad that Jacob left but I'm proud of him. Probably, he's also been telling me that it was his dream to play in the UAAP so I am happy for him and I hope his career will be a successful one.)
Cortez and Andrada were both San Beda rookies in NCAA Season 97.
Incoming sophomore Nygel Gonzales, meanwhile, said he supports Cortez' decision.
"Kahit ako, hindi kami masyadong matagal nagsama ni Jacob, I'm proud of him. 'Yun nga, wala tayong magagawa kundi suportahan 'yung kakampi natin kung gusto nila lumabas ng comfort zone nila, kung gusto nila mas mag-excel," Gonzales said.
"Nakasuporta lang ako sa kanya. I'm happy for him. Sana mag-succeed 'yung paglipat niya."
(Even if we were not together for that long, I'm proud of him. We can't do anything but to support our ally if they want to leave their comfort zone and excel more. I support him. I'm happy for him and I hope his move will be successful.)
Despite the key loss, Andrada believes San Beda is still fine as they defend the NCAA title in the league's centennial season.
"Kahit marami sa amin ang nawala, including our senior graduates, I think we're still ready for Season 100," Andrada said.
"Siyempre pagtatrabahuhan namin nina coach Yuri, lahat ng coaching staff, teammates ko ['yun]. I think we'll be fine coming into Season 100."
(Even if we had losses, including our senior graduates, I think we're still ready for Season 100. Of course, coach Yuri, the coaching staff, and my teammates and I will work on it. I think we'll be fine coming into Season 100.)
Expected to suit up for the Red Lions next season are Bryan Sajonia, Penny Estacio, and the Calimag brothers RC and Richi.
San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta previously said the team is ready for anything in the eventuality that Jacob leaves the Lions' den.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
