San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta owes his current coaching stint to his former mentors and looks forward to Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association slated 10 September.
Escueta, in a radio interview, said he was taught by some of the best minds in Philippines basketball.
“I’m thankful that I was given the experience under good coaches. It gave me the confidence and the l knowledge to handle this job knowing that there’s pressure in San Beda,” Escueta said.
Escueta said he is thankful for the support he gets from the team’s benefactor, sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan.
“I know that boss MVP and the school will support me and that gave me confidence to take this job. I think coaching here is easier since this is something close to your heart,” he said.
Escueta played for San Beda in high school under the late coach Ato Badolato before going to college at Ateneo de Manila University under coach Norman Black.
Currently, he is an assistant coach for TNT Tropang Giga under Chot Reyes and assistant Sandy Arespacochaga.
He also served as an assistant for Gilas Pilipinas under then coach Tab Baldwin where he worked with current San Beda consultant Boyet Fernandez.
The Red Lions missed the playoffs after posting a 3-4 win-loss record in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
Still, Escueta is optimistic that the team as will soon learn his new fast-paced system.
“The fast-paced system I’m trying to teach is the opposite on what they know, which requires a big man on the post. It’s still new to the players but they are receptive to the teachings and this is something the professional and international teams do: Do a lot of ball screens and outside shooting,” Escueta said.