Yuri Escueta is already used to feeling pressure that he’s simply embracing as much after being appointed as the new head coach of San Beda.
It’s something that he grew up to, being part of its famed high school program many moons ago that saw him inherit the spot of a certain cage great.
“Kasi kahit ako nung high school ako, ang pinalitan ko kasing posisyon, spot ni LA Tenorio e,” recalled the cager turned mentor, a Red Cub from 2000-03. “Pero at the same time, binibigyan ka ng strength ng pressure na ‘yun.”
Escueta on Tuesday was announced as the new chief mentor of the Red Lions, with predecessor Boyet Fernandez taking on a consultantship role.
“Of course, I’m thankful for the trust given by MVP tsaka ng San Beda community. And at the same time happy, kasi it’s nice to be back dun sa Alma Mater ko nung high school. It’s nice to give back din,” he said.
The Ateneo de Manila alumnus knows that he’ll be manning the sidelines of a program synonymous to winning. But he’s bringing with him the experiences he’s gained over the years as a deputy to the Blue Eagles and TNT in the PBA.
“I’ve been the head coach of the Ateneo Team B for almost 11 years e. So whatever niru-run ng head coach namin, ‘yun din ‘yung tinatakbo namin,” said Escueta, who steered Glory B to a few title runs in tilts here and abroad.
“So parang ‘yung transition from B to A sa Ateneo kasi ganun yung ginagawa namin,” added the UAAP Season 71 gold medalist.
Still, it isn’t lost on him that coaching the A-team is a far different challenge. He’s excited nonetheless, particularly with the set of players he’s set to take under his tutelage beginning in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
“Nagulat nga ako, ang daming player e. In fairness, ‘yung core group of young guys, very talented tulad nina Yuki [Andrada], nina Ynot (Tony), tsaka nina [Justine] Sanchez, si Jacob Cortez,” he said.
“So, happy ako sa veterans at the same time happy ako sa mixture ng mga young guys nila. Mukha talagang may potensyal,” he added as he will be handling a team to be led by veteran James Kwekuteye.
Escueta couldn’t wait to help oversee and harness the growth of his players, which has been his main objective as a mentor.
“I would like to focus more on player development. I would like to help these players get to the next level of their careers, whether it may be the PBA or probably overseas if there’s an opportunity,” he said.
“And with that, hoping the wins would come,” Escueta added.
“‘Yun ‘yung challenge sa’kin: To develop these young players.”
