Cat-quick guard Jacob Cortez has announced his departure from San Beda University on Thursday, Jan. 11, and revealed his intention to play in the UAAP.

In a social media post, Cortez, who led the Red Lions to a NCAA Season 99 title, said he is taking a new journey to "get out of my comfort zone" and improve his game.

“With great difficulty, I have decided that my time as a Red Lion is closing, and would like to officially announce that I will not be playing for San Beda University in their upcoming season,” Cortez said.

“Challenging, improving, and growing is always my goal, and so I have decided that to achieve this, I need to get out of my comfort zone. With that, I plan to compete in the UAAP,” he added.

The 5-foot-11 player did not mention his destination in the UAAP, but many fans expect La Salle as his first choice.

His father, Mike Cortez, played for the Green Archers and won two titles in 2000 and 2001.

The young gun also expressed his gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and the whole San Beda community for welcoming him and keeping their faith in them after a slow start last season.

“My teammates, coaches, managers, basketball staff members, classmates, teachers, and the Red Army. Saying thank you is not enough to show my gratitude toward them but I will say it, anyway. Thank you all!” Cortez said.

“Thank you Boss MVP, Boss Jude, Coach Yuri, and the other brilliant coaches for taking a chance on me and trusting me from the beginning,” he continued.

Cortez, 21, anchored the Red Lions alongside Finals MVP James Payosing and Yukien Andrada to upset the top seed Mapua Cardinals, 2-1, in the championship series. He averaged 15. 4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 23 games.