By: Miguel Caramoan
Jacob Cortez never imagined that his UAAP return would happen on the very court where he last trained before leaving for San Beda University.
But fate had other plans — largely thanks to the ongoing FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
“Not really,” the son of La Salle legend Mike Cortez quipped to Tiebreaker Times when asked if he ever thought he’d play at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion for his De La Salle University debut.
“But it felt good.”
Upon arriving at the UST campus, the 23-year-old guard was instantly hit with nostalgia.
After all, he had played for the Tiger Cubs during his final year of high school back in UAAP Season 82.
“I used to practice here. I remember those 4:00 AM sessions,” he recalled.
“Even as I walked around today, watching students do PE, I could visualize myself in that same spot years ago.”
Despite the memories, Cortez did not let emotion dictate his performance.
He delivered a stellar homecoming game, marking his La Salle debut in style.
The 5-foot-11 guard scored 16 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out four assists, helping La Salle edge Adamson, 60-58.
Cortez credited his comfort with his new teammates on the court to months of preparation and the time he spent building chemistry with them.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Ever since I joined La Salle last year, I started attending practices and spending time with the guys off the court. This year, there have been a lot of team bondings. I’ve been getting to know my teammates and coaches — not just on the court, but off it too,” he explained.
“I think that translates to how we play. We struggled at times, but it’s all about moving to the next play and sticking together as a team.”
Still, he couldn’t help but smile at how destiny brought him back to the place that had closed one chapter of his life.
“Coming back to UST and playing at the QPav — I never expected that I’d play a UAAP game there as a Lasallian.”
