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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Escueta expects tougher challenge in Season 100

Escueta expects tougher challenge in Season 100

Published Jun 21, 2024 07:23 am

At A Glance

  • San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta expects a tougher challenge ahead when the reigning champions defend the men's basketball title in the centennial season of the NCAA which kicks off in August.

San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta expects a tougher challenge ahead when the reigning champions defend the men's basketball title in the centennial season of the NCAA which kicks off in August.

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Yuri Escueta (NCAA Images)

Escueta witnessed how resilient his team was last year after facing eliminations a couple of times, with the Red Lions still managing to overcome the adversity and beat the top seed Mapua Cardinals for their first in four years and 23rd overall crown.

It will be as gruelling this season with the departure of key players, including team captain Peter Alfaro and star guard Jacob Cortez who transferred to La Salle.

Still, San Beda remains formidable with a lineup that has Finals MVP James Payosing, Yukien Andrada and Jomel Puno.

“Of course, coming to this season, I'm positive about it. So, I believe that every time we start the season now, we're going to perform well,” said Escueta after accepting the Collegiate Press Corps’ NCAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year award recently.

“But again, there's going to be challenges,” he added.

San Beda also has new faces in its roster with guards Bryan Sajonia, RC and Richi Calimag, and Penny Estacio, who is being eyed to fill in the void left by Cortez.

“We have new guards, Brian Sonia, Calimag brothers, and Penny Estacio. But again, it's going to take time for them to get used to what we're trying to do. Just like what happened to Jacob, not overnight,” said Escueta.

 

Training camp in LA

According to Escueta, the Red Lions have joined provincial tournaments and will conduct a training camp next month in Los Angeles to bolster their preparation for the centennial season.

“This month, we have tournaments in the province. We have two tournaments this month. Next month, if it pushes through, we have a plan to go to LA for two weeks for training, and when we get back, I think it's early for the NCAA. I think it's August 16-17. When is the proposed LA camp, if it ever pushes through,” he added.
 

No Norman Black for San Beda next season?

Escueta also disclosed that veteran mentor and San Beda consultant Norman Black might be absent for San Beda next season, noting that the latter is busy with his work with the grassroots programs of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“I don't know yet. That depends on our bosses. But now, coach Norman is busy with the SBP grassroots program,” Escueta told.

“So, if he does, it's a big blessing for us, especially for our bigs. I'm optimistic. Hopefully, Coach Nenad (Vucinic) will return after coach Norman for Season 100.”

Related Tags

San Beda Red Lions Yuri Escueta NCAA
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