Three key San Beda student-athletes will graduate after this season – namely James Canlas, JB Bahio, and Ralph Penuela.
Despite the Red Lions being in season, team manager Jude Roque and head coach Yuri Escueta are still actively recruiting for the next campaign.
After securing the commitment of 6-foot-5 Fil-Canadian Jomel Puno, San Beda also gained three more prospects: James Payosing, Collin Dimaculangan, and Zane Jalbuena.
Tops on the list is, of course, Payosing – a 6-foot-2 winger and a product of the Red Cubs program.
Though in San Beda’s current lineup in the NCAA, the native of Bislig City is nursing a right arm injury that has relegated him to the reserves list.
Roque said that expectations will be high on Payosing come Season 99, since he is one of the highly-regarded recruits from the South.
“Malaking opportunity po sa akin yung binigay sa akin na makasama ako sa Red Lions at sisiguraduhin kong babawi ako sa kanila next season,” said Payosing.
Meanwhile, Dimaculangan was a former University of the Philippines-commit.
A graduate of UPIS, he transferred to San Beda as he wants to be part of the school’s rebuild.
“There were a lot factors,” the 6-foot floor general admitted to Tiebreaker Times. “I really have a huge respect for Coach Yuri ever since.
“When I visited San Beda, he gave me a warm welcome, showed me around, and showed me how he plays his system. I know how San Beda is one of the winningest teams in the league’s history. So it’s gonna be an honor to play for a prestigious school like San Beda,” he continued.
“SJ Belangel also gave me some big advice for my situation. Family and friends were very supportive as well. So the people around me really guided me well for this decision. And I’m really proud of it and I am very excited to be part of this special group of people.”
Finally, Jalbuena, a 6-foot-5 winger out of UST, also committed to San Beda.
Jalbuena is one of the projects of San Beda assistant coach Alex Angeles. Both of them hail from Laguna.
“For me kaya ako lumipat sa Red Lions kase madaming players na naging PBA player na nanggaling sa San Beda, at madaming players na nag-improve galing dito sa school na to,” the former Tiger Cub said.
“Kinuha ako ni coach Alex Angeles na naging coach ko din sa Laguna. Kaya ‘di na’ko nagdalawang-isip na sumama sa kanya dito sa San Beda. Siya yung coach na nag build saken as a player at kung ano ako ngayon.”
With these developments, Escueta is glad that prospects are believing in his vision.
“I’m happy that the players either decided to stay or transfer to us. And I believe it’s because of our school and our basketball program,” he said.
