When one door closes, another opens.
Jhuniel Dela Rama committed to transferring from San Sebastian College-Recoletos to San Beda University on Saturday.
The announcement came just moments after Janti Miller declared he would not return to San Beda if it remained in the NCAA.
Dela Rama’s decision followed a month of careful deliberation with his parents. Ultimately, being under coach Yuri Escueta became the deciding factor.
“Very happy ako na JDR and his parents, Mommy Jovelyn and Daddy Geraldo, decided to transfer to us not because of ‘the offer’ but because they want to get quality education and a degree,” Escueta told Tiebreaker Times.
“He also likes the player development program we offered him and he wants an opportunity not just to compete but win championships.”
Another major influence in Dela Rama’s choice was fellow Ormoc native Robert Bolick.
Bolick played for San Beda from NCAA seasons 92 to 94, winning three titles.
“Mas pinili ko po ang Beda dahil na-motivate din po ako kay Kuya Bolick, na galing din sa Ormoc. Sinabi po niya sa akin na mas maggo-grow pa ako sa San Beda at mas mag-iimprove pa ako,” Dela Rama told Tiebreaker Times.
“Nakita ko rin po na aalagaan nila ako, gaya ng ginawa nila kay Bolick.”
During NCAA Season 101, the 6-foot-2 guard shone despite the struggles of the Golden Stags. He averaged 13.86 points, 11.07 rebounds, 1.86 assists, and 1.64 steals per game, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors while also making the Mythical and All-Defensive Teams.
His decision comes exactly one week after San Sebastian removed Rob Labagala as head coach, replacing him with the relatively unknown Tony Tan. Still, Dela Rama will always cherish the bond he shared with Labagala.
“Sobrang grateful po ako dahil naging coach ko si Coach Rob. Naging parang tatay na po siya para sa akin sa dami ng naitulong niya. Hindi ko po alam kung paano ko siya masusuklian,” Dela Rama expressed.
“Si Coach Rob po ay hindi ka pababayaan kapag may problema ka — sinusuportahan ka niya sa anumang maging desisyon mo, at tinuturuan ka niya kapag nagkakamali ka.”
Now, the 20-year-old will have to sit out one year before suiting up for the Red Lions, but he’s eager to get to work.
“Super excited po ako at challenging po para sa akin iyon. Champion team po sila, kaya mas kailangan ko pang patunayan ang sarili ko na talagang bagay ako sa sistema ni coach,” he said.
“Siguro po, higit sa lahat, excited po akong makasama, makatrabaho, at makalaro silang lahat.”
