After a heartbreaking elimination at the hands of long-time rival College of Saint Benilde in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors’ Basketball Tournament, San Beda University wasted no time plotting its redemption.
Preparations for Season 101 began as early as January 5, 2025, months before the tournament tipped off on October 1.
At the heart of the Red Lions’ comeback were two players whose paths to San Beda couldn’t have been more different: eight-year lifer Yukien Andrada and transferee Bryan Sajonia.
Head coach Yuri Escueta entrusted the pair to carry the team’s championship hopes, confident that their leadership both on and off the court would define the next chapter of Red Lions basketball.
“Leading San Beda to a championship is always special. But more than yung winning, it’s the leadership, the culture, and the character that these guys left dito sa mga young guys na maiiwan,” Escueta said of his two graduating stars.
“And especially during this landscape ng college basketball ngayon, it’s very hard to find players that are grateful and players that are loyal to the school that gives them the opportunity to go to study.”
For Andrada, who joined San Beda in 10th grade back in 2017, Season 100 had been a personal and team disappointment, culminating in a loss that allowed Mapua University to claim the title.
Determined to atone for that “horrible” campaign, he led by example in what would become a triumphant final season.
Sajonia, meanwhile, saw his two years with the Red Lions as a chance to make a lasting mark.
The former Far Eastern University guard joined Andrada in the shared mission of reclaiming the NCAA seniors’ crown before moving on to professional careers with Magnolia and Titan Ultra in the PBA.
A Challenging Road to Redemption
The journey back to the top was far from smooth. Both Andrada and Sajonia battled injuries during the eliminations, with Sajonia also struggling offensively early in the season.
The Red Lions’ resolve was further tested in a do-or-die Game 3 semifinal showdown against the Allen Liwag-led Blazers.
Yet, fueled by a shared belief in the program and a desire to end their collegiate careers on a high, Andrada and Sajonia delivered when it mattered most.
The duo spearheaded three straight wins en route to San Beda’s record 24th NCAA seniors’ basketball title.
With Mythical Five member Janti Miller serving a one-game suspension in Game 2 of the finals, Andrada capped his eight-year tenure as a Red Lion with a stellar 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals in the decisive sweep of archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
“Sobrang saya, sobrang saya. That’s what I’ve always wanted, you know, leaving a great legacy. That’s why I came back from that horrible Season 100 season,” the 6-foot-5 forward said.
“Kaya di na lang mag-isip na gusto ko bumalik kasi gusto ko mag-iwan sa San Beto ng magandang legacy. I wanted to give them a championship again before I leave and go into the pros.”
Sajonia, standing 5-foot-11, not only ended his collegiate career as a champion but also earned Finals MVP honors, joining a distinguished list that includes Javee Mocon, Donald Tankoua, Art dela Cruz, and Baser Amer.
He averaged 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across the two-game finals sweep.
“Sobrang saya kasi dream ko talaga ito ‘eh. And siguro lahat naman ng college players, dream ‘to na makapag-champion. And yun, sobrang thankful ako na napunta ako dito. And marami akong matutunan. Ngayon, champion na rin ako,” Sajonia said.
“Hindi ko naman inexpect eh. Bonus ko na lang para sa akin yan. And yung dadalhin ko siguro, yung mga natutunan ko kay coach Yuri and sa mga teammates ko. And yun, mag-enjoy muna kami — tsaka na namin iisipin ‘yan.”
From Brothers to Rivals
Having fulfilled their promise to Escueta and the institution that supported them through the highs and lows of their amateur careers, Andrada and Sajonia are now poised for the next chapter: professional basketball in the PBA.
Sajonia, the 39th pick in the Season 50 Rookie Draft, credits the confidence instilled by Escueta and his teammates as a key factor in preparing him to contribute immediately alongside stars like Calvin Abueva, Cade Flores, and Joshua Munzon.
“Yung confidence na binibigay siguro nila all season at nung mga teammates ko. Kasi every time nga na sa akin yung bola, ako yung pinapa-decision nila,” Sajonia shared.
Andrada, the sixth overall pick by Magnolia and the first-ever selection by coach LA Tenorio, aims to make an immediate impact with the Hotshots.
Familiar faces like Peter Alfaro and Tenorio, both former Red Lions, are expected to help him blend into the team quickly.
“I’m just hoping that I’m able to blend well with their team. Their team chemistry, syempre rookie ako. Hindi pa ako gano’ng kilala sa team. But I also have former teammates there,” said the younger brother of former Green Archer Yutien.
“So, I have Peter Alfaro there. So, I think that will be a big help for me coming into the team and to be able to gel with them more easily.”
