SAN Beda University coach Yuri Escueta has big ears but did not listen to naysayers and unbelievers who counted the Red Lions out in the 99th NCAA basketball tournament.
“Not to be arrogant, but in our circle, we know our capabilities and have each other’s back,” Escueta said. “Yes, there’s stuff that comes out of the media but the important thing is, our belief in each other. We just stayed in the present every time. We don’t want to think about the consequences of what could happen if we lose, we don’t want to think about the consequences of what could happen if we win.
“Ang sabi ko lang, let’s just stay in the present. Play the right way. Execute our game plan and whatever the result is, if we win or we lose as long as you guys did your best, we’re not even worried about that,” he added.
When the dust settled, Escueta and San Beda made armchair pundits scratching their heads with a riveting title conquest against the Mapua University Cardinals capped by a 76-66 victory in the deciding match of the Big Dance last Sunday.
The Lions aptly rewarded their ardent faithful–including top backer Manny V. Pangilinan–with their first crown since 2018 and 23rd overall.
“Eight do-or-die games and they crossed the finish line as champions,” Pangilinan said on his X (Twitter) account. “Such a story. What a feat. Such courage and will–the Red Lions 2023.”
San Beda long-time team manager Jude Roque added: “To those who believed, even when so many others doubted, this one’s for you.”
Escueta, a former San Beda high school player and Ateneo playmaker who also served as assistant to Tab Baldwin at the Blue Eagles and Chot Reyes at TNT and Gilas Pilipinas, gave plaudits to Lions consultants Norman Black and Boyet Fernandez.
He reserved the biggest praise to his high school coach who sadly did not have the chance to see him win it all for the Mendiola-based cagers.
“Learned a lot from him (Black). Para kay coach Boyet ito, team niya ito, championship niya ito,” Escueta, who regretted passing up two offers from Ato Badolato to become San Beda’s high school tactician before the legendary strategist’s demise in 2021. “The winning attitude and experience were taught to me early by my high school coach (Badolato).
“I learned from him what San Beda basketball is all about, its excellence and winning tradition early in my basketball career and taught us his players how to be winners. I always try to talk to him when I’m by myself. I’d like to offer this championship as a thank you to him.”
