Is Jacob Cortez headed to De La Salle University?
The 21-year-old son of La Salle legend Mike Cortez confirmed after Game 3 of the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Finals that he has received interest from his father’s alma mater.
“There’s interest from La Salle,” said the 5-foot-10 floor general, who also went to La Salle Green Hills during the first few years of his secondary schooling.
Jacob furthered that he also received feelers from “other UAAP schools” but it’s his dad who is doing all the negotiations.
However, Jacob has been spotted in numerous La Salle events, including the ring ceremony of the Green Archers a couple of weeks ago. Moreover, he is close friends with graduating La Salle winger Ef Escandor and senior guard Joshua David.
Jacob has been spectacular in his third year with San Beda, averaging 15.35 points, 3.65 rebounds, 3.65 assists, and 1.22 steals per contest.
If he transfers to La Salle, he will get to settle some unfinished business for his dad, who lost Game 3 of the UAAP Season 65 Men’s Basketball Finals to Ateneo.
He still has two years left of eligibility but will have to sit out one year if he decides to transfer to the Green Archer camp.
For now, the young guard is looking to celebrate the championship first before making his decision.
“Bahala na after.”
If this was it, Jacob was able to fulfill his mission with the Red Lions.
“No one thought we would be here, everyone thought we were rebuilding. We just proved everyone wrong,” he said.
In Game 2 of the Finals, Jacob flat-out dominated, dropping 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals to tie the series.
Though he cramped up in Game 3 which limited him to just 25 minutes of gametime, the “King Lion” was confident that everyone stepped up.
“Not just me. Everyone stepped up, especially Payosing. Ako na nagsabi kay Coach Yuri (Escueta) na kaya nila yan.”
Wherever he will go next season, Jacob has no regrets.
“It feels good. The mission is complete.”
