In a move to elevate their preparations for NCAA Season 101, San Beda has embarked on a two-week training camp in Malaga, Spain.
This marks their return to European soil for the first time since their stint in Lithuania in 2014.
The Red Lions arrived in Spain on Monday.
This year, they’re doing it alongside fellow MVP Group-backed squad, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, under the guidance of veteran coaches and with a clear mission: to grow, bond, and gain valuable exposure to the European style of basketball.
The Red Lions’ training ground for this campaign is none other than The Embassy in Malaga, one of the most prestigious basketball facilities in Spain. This elite center has long been the training home of the Spanish national team and top-tier clubs like Unicaja Malaga.
At the helm of San Beda’s training is Luis Guil, a seasoned tactician and assistant coach of the Spain Men’s National Team.
Guil is no stranger to Filipino talent, having once coached Kiefer Ravena during his time with the Shiga Lakes in the B.League. Assisting Guil is Alfonso Sanchez, a former professional player and standout of Unicaja Malaga, who brings firsthand experience of the Spanish basketball system.
“After many years of summer training in the USA, we figured that it may be good to try the European camps,” said Red Lions team manager Jude Roque. “We trained in Lithuania in 2014 and it was good. This time, we got a nice proposal from Coach Luis Guil, an assistant coach of the Spanish National Team, and decided to try it out.”
Roque emphasized that the camp is more than just about improving on the court.
“It’s a different experience for our young team, being exposed to the European style of play and also getting to play with Spanish teams,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to touch base with our Spanish roots. In fact, the mother monastery of the SBU monks is about 10 hours drive from Malaga, in Montserrat, Spain.
“Of course, this is also a great two-week bonding activity for us, especially that we have several new members in the team.”
The Red Lions will be tested through four tune-up matches against top youth clubs in Malaga, including powerhouse Unicaja’s junior team.
These games are expected to push the team out of their comfort zone and give them a taste of the high-tempo, disciplined style that defines Spanish basketball.
Making the trip to Spain are Yukien Andrada, Janti Miller, Kyle Jamora, Bismark Lina, RC Calimag, Lawrence Hawkins, Jimmy Reyes, Zane Jalbuena, Nygel Gonzales, Ronrei Tolentino, Penny Estacio, JC Bonzalida, Jomel Puno, Joe Celzo, Richi Calimag, Menard Songcuya, Bryan Sajonia, and Miles Culdora.
Leading them are head coach Yuri Escueta and assistant coaches Boyet Fernandez and Andre Santos.
But beyond basketball, the trip also became a cultural homecoming.
Upon their arrival in Malaga, the Red Lions were warmly welcomed by the Filipino community in the city, which numbers around 5,000 — the third-largest concentration of Filipinos in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona.
The Red Lions became special guests during the local celebration of Philippine Independence Day yesterday, a festive gathering that reminded the players of their roots and the pride they carry as Filipino athletes on foreign soil.
