fbpx
Search
Close this search box.

Jacob Cortez leaves San Beda, to play in UAAP

by Bryan Gadingan

THE KING Lion has opted to leave his den as Jacob Cortez announced his departure from San Beda University after their incredible NCAA Season 99 championship run on Thursday, January 11.

Cortez revealed on his social media accounts that his time with the Mendiola-based club has come to an end, and he intends to go on to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) to push himself.

“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 their upcoming season,” said Cortez in a statement.

“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,” he explained. 

“With that, I plan to compete in the UAAP,” added the combo guard, who is believed to be transferring from one champion team to another: the De La Salle Green Archers.

Cortez made no mention of La Salle directly. However, he has a good chance of going to the camp of reigning UAAP champion La Salle, where his father Mike Cortez was a major player decades ago.

The 5-ft-10 guard was the go-to guy for San Beda’s NCAA Season 99 campaign, averaging 15.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.

He played a key role in getting the San Beda back to the playoffs and eventually reclaiming their basketball glory, winning their first title since 2018.

Photo Courtesy: NCAA Philippines | Facebook.

“I have had THE BEST time at San Beda. 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,” recalled the now former Red Lion.

Cortez made sure to thank everyone who supported him during his time with the Mendiola squad. For him, this has been the “best time” of his career since he has genuinely met people he can call “family.”

“My teammates, coaches, managers, basketball staff members, classmates, teachers, and the Red Army. Saying thank you is not enough to show my gratitude toward them but I will say it, anyway. Thank you all!” 

“Last but not least, a huge thank you to the Red Army who believed in all of us this season, without your support none of this would have been possible,” he said in his social media statement.

“All of you have made a big impact on my life and I wouldn’t be who I am today without the help from each one of you.”

The former Red Lion has confirmed that De La Salle University has expressed interest in recruiting him for their basketball club. Collegiate basketball fans will have to wait and see what his next move will be.

Dive deeper into the issues that affect your community. Follow republicasia on FacebookTwitter and Instagram for in-depth analysis, fresh perspectives, and the stories that shape your daily life.