Yuri Escueta had a very special guest when San Beda University took on San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Wednesday.
Sitting at the stands was Escueta’s former mentor-turned-colleague Sandy Arespacochaga.
Seeing Escueta have a team he could call his own only made Arespacochaga beam. After all, it was long overdue.
“Of course, we’re very proud of Yuri, not just because of his potential or just because he’s the head coach right now, but, I’m proud of him for the kind of person that he is,” said Arespacochaga, who also handled Escueta in Ateneo from UAAP seasons 67-71.
Escueta admitted that when he was offered the San Beda job, Arespacochaga was one of the people with whom he consulted.
“Isa siya sa mga kinonsult ko. He’s one of the coaches that I really look up to — he was my first head coach in college,” shared Escueta as he also worked with Arespacochaga in Ateneo and TNT.
Escueta’s first four games with the Red Lions though have been a rollercoaster ride.
After absorbing a 66-55 loss on opening day against Mapua University, San Beda bounced back with an 85-56 beatdown of Emilio Aguinaldo College.
San Beda though was not able to sustain the momentum, bowing to Lyceum of the Philippines University, 89-81.
On Wednesday, the Red Lions eked out a 78-71 win over the Golden Stags.
Expected was this start for San Beda, according to Arespacochaga as the Red Lions are still adjusting to Escueta’s fast-paced style.
After all, this is a part of a coach’s growing pains with a new team, said the veteran tactician.
“Well, Yuri is a brilliant coach, a very bright future ahead for him. And, I think you know, given the timing of him joining San Beda a bit late already, I think you can see some of the ups and downs dun sa performance ng team,” he said.
“They’re just not used to the system that coach Yuri is implementing, but you could already see glimpses of what he wants to achieve, so I think he’ll have a bright future for San Beda. Of course, the key also is the present [status] they’re in right now, not just talking about next year but right now,” he added.
“And, there are some growing pains for his team, you could see it in the way they’re a bit inconsistent. But, as long as they continue to improve each game – I think for this year they’ll be in the mix sa Final Four and they’ll be contending.”
For his part, Escueta will vow to do everything just to make his mentor proud.
“I really look up to him.”
