It had been a whirlwind 24 hours for San Beda University — especially for Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta.
Last Thursday, the Red Lions were caught off guard when homegrown forward James Payosing bid farewell to the team to commit to the University of the Philippines.
A day later, Escueta received a call that lifted his spirits — former Fighting Maroon Aldous Torculas had pledged his commitment to San Beda.
Admittedly, the young head coach from Ateneo de Manila University felt saddened by Payosing’s departure. After all, the Red Cub had blossomed under his watch.
“Siyempre, na-sad ako nung pag-alis ni Pay, pero I wish him the best sa kung saan siya pupunta,” said Escueta, who, along with Payosing, helped San Beda capture its 22nd NCAA Seniors Basketball title in 2023.
The partnership between Payosing and San Beda didn’t get the ending they had hoped for, though, as the Red Lions bowed out in the NCAA Season 100 Final Four in a blowout loss.
But in exchange, San Beda won the Torculas sweepstakes.
Torculas stands at least two inches taller than Payosing, and Escueta is optimistic that his athleticism will help compensate for the grit they lost with Payosing’s departure.
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“Of course, happy din ako kasi dumating sa amin si Aldous. He will bring height sa small forward position namin at may championship experience din siya,” Escueta added.
“Sayang nga, hindi sila naging teammates, pero looking forward ako sa magiging tandem nila ni Nygel (Gonzales).”
With the rapid player movement between San Beda and UP, many speculated that the two transfers were prearranged, almost like a trade between the schools.
Escueta, however, dismissed the notion.
“Ganun ba? Hindi, nagkataon lang ‘yan kasi kami pati nagulat sa mga nangyari,” he quipped.
