By: Miguel Caramoan
Having one of the most talent-laden rosters in NCAA Season 101, it took until San Beda’s 10th game before Yukien Andrada finally erupted and delivered his best performance of the season.
Yet beyond the numbers, it was clear that his breakout was fueled by something much deeper than basketball.
After a disappointing outing of just six points and a team-worst minus-17 in their shocking loss to struggling Lyceum, the graduating Andrada bounced back in emphatic fashion.
The 6-foot-4 forward exploded for 23 points on an efficient 72.7% shooting clip, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, to lead the Red Lions past the Benilde Blazers, 80-76.
A big part of Andrada’s inspired performance came from his older brother, Yutien — a former PBA player and DLSU Green Archer — who is currently battling a serious health condition.
“My motivation siguro yung kuya ko, he’s at the hospital right now and just got a surgery, so that really motivates me to play really well,” said Yukien, visibly emotional after the game.
“I owe this game to him and also my coaches and my teammates – their trust in me built my confidence after that LPU loss.”
Yukien, who is 11 years younger than Yutien, revealed that his brother recently underwent his second major operation in just two years.
“Last year, he had an abdominal aortic aneurysm, so this time naman he got a thoracic aorta aneurysm. Actually, last week pa siya nasa hospital, and then kanina he got opened up kasi parang may fluid yung heart niya. Right now, he’s in the CCU and recovering,” Yukien shared.
Despite the emotional circumstances, the sharpshooting forward knows that their hard-fought victory over Benilde is only a step in the right direction.
With the Red Lions determined to regain their dominance and chase another championship, Andrada’s resurgence could not have come at a better time.
“That’s been my main goal ever since I came back to San Beda for my last year. My only goal is to win a championship and bring back the crown to Mendiola. I think we’re on the right track now,” the sixth overall pick in the 2025 PBA Draft declared.
Andrada also emphasized the importance of finishing strong in the elimination round, as San Beda aims for a top seed in the stacked Group B.
The next challenge for the Red Lions will be a familiar one — a rivalry matchup against the Letran Knights that could shake up the standings and possibly mark his last.
“We want to be in the number one or number two spot, but as much as possible we want the number one spot and create that separation,” he added.
“I’m just going to enjoy it and have fun. Let my nerves out there and ayun din naman gusto ng coaches namin, and I really think that will help us against Letran.”
