San Beda University’s head coach, Yuri Escueta, was adamant in explaining that he and the rest of the Red Lions hold no grudges against the College of Saint Benilde after Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Gab Cometa – three key players in San Beda’s NCAA Season 98 run – transferred to the Green-and-White at the end of last season.
“Hindi naman, nothing personal naman that’s their choice. Personal choice nila lumipat hindi naman namin sila pinigilan,” shared the second-year San Beda head coach.
“Sabi ko nga sa players ko, kung sino nandito sa atin yun yung ifo-focus namin.”
Escueta’s comments came after the Red Lions’ vital 65-61 victory over the Blazers, giving San Beda back some momentum after losing four of its last five games and having massive implications in the overall Final Four landscape.
The transfer of his two former players, Escueta said, played no factor in their motivations for the win, as he and the squad were simply focused on getting back into the playoff picture.
“I’m sure yung transfer nila doon, they’re in good hands also with Coach Charles.
“We know the coaching staff there, but if they think that’s a better option for them sinuportahan namin sila. We’re still in communication, we wish them luck, nothing personal na lumipat sila. Bale wala sa amin yan,” continued Escueta.
Since the transfer, Ynot has been thriving in Benilde’s Team B squad while waiting for his residency to be fully served. Last Saturday, Ynot helped the Blazers’ Team B squad capture the AsiaBasket Dasmarinas Championship after a tournament sweep.
Ynot bagged tournament MVP honors as he dropped 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists in the Blazers’ 105-84 domination of Statham Academy in the finals.
Neither San Beda nor Benilde’s main squad has the privilege of Ynot’s services for Season 99 as the two squads race for one of the three remaining Final Four spots.
For Escueta, it’s important for him and his staff that his Red Lions squad drown out all the noise and focus on the games ahead.
“Every game talaga si crucial ngayon especially lahat naghahabol. We let some games slip early in the second round, but our fate is still in our hands. Kung magdwell kami sa mga talo namin lalong walang mangyayari sa amin. Might as well focus moving forward, kahit natalo kami ngayon, focus kami sa JRU, kahit nanalo kami, focus pa rin kami sa JRU,” said Escueta.
“Ganoon lang yung mindset namin, just make sure kahit anong mangyari game by game for the next four games basta walang bibigay, sama-sama, lalaban kami.”
With the Benilde game behind them, the Red Lions turn their attention to Jose Rizal University, whom they are set to battle on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
