BY ABBY TORALBA
AFTER leading San Beda University to the NCAA title last year, prized playmaker Jacob Cortez is leaving the Red Lions for the UAAP.
“With great difficulty, I have decided that my time as a Red Lion is closing and would like to officially announce that I will not be playing for San Beda University in its upcoming season,” Cortez said on his Instagram account yesterday.
“Challenging, improving, and growing is always my goal, and so I have decided that to achieve this, I need to get out of my comfort zone. With that, I plan to compete in the UAAP,” he added.
Cortez, son of former La Salle and PBA star Mike, played a pivotal role in San Beda’s title conquest opposite Mapua University.
He averaged 15.4 points, 3.56 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.17 steals in his third season with the Lions.
The 5-foot-10 Cortez, however, did not reveal which school he would next play for but it is widely rumored he is joining La Salle.
After the Big Dance, Cortez admitted having drawn interest from UAAP schools, including the Green Archers.
Cortez said he had a “best time at San Beda” and looked back at his time with the school saying: “From playing as a rookie fresh out of high school in an isolating yet invigorating bubble season to helping bring back the crown where it belongs after many have counted San Beda out. Still, the most unforgettable part of the past couple of years has been all of you. Along the journey, I’ve truly met people who I can call family now. “Thank you, boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), boss Jude (Roque, team manager), coach Yuri (Escueta), and the other brilliant coaches for taking a chance on me and trusting me from the beginning.
