It was believed that the champion juniors core of San Beda would eventually grow to its title-winning seniors core, as such was tradition in Mendiola. However, among the Big Three who delivered the last juniors championship for the Red Cubs in 2019, only Yukien Andrada was able to complete his full five-year service with the Red Lions.  

He was the only one who had two championships near the end of his college career: the final script was when his contributions were most felt in Season 99, and later became team captain in Season 101.  

Following their strong juniors title in Season 95, Andrada, Justine Sanchez, and Tony Ynot quickly ascended to the seniors squad, debuted together in Season 97. Since Season 96 was canceled because of the pandemic, these three had their rookie campaign, which seems to be the start of a promising run. Then, internal complications happened, and Sanchez and Ynot went to Benilde. Meanwhile, Andrada stayed on and committed completely to San Beda without any doubts. He explained that he had never thought about leaving and claims to be completely loyal to the school and determined to remain in Mendiola.  

From time immemorial, San Beda derived power through its high school to college pipeline, which was built by none other than the legendary coach Ato Badolato. But the ground was shaking during the pandemic and in Boyet Fernandez’s last year as head coach. Major changes happened in connection with this. Amidst the uncertainties, Andrada held faith in his alma mater. He also trusted the program that opened his first doors. He said that the school had trusted him. This was how he would give it back: by working hard, putting out strong performances, and winning championships. He put stock in the notion that this, above anything else, would make him play for San Beda. It would also ensure that he always represented the school. His loyalty became the anchor that steadied San Beda during its most turbulent years.

The moment Yuri Escueta was back at the helm of affairs in 2022, things began to stabilize again. Then, San Beda got its footing back at the top in two short years, once again winning back-to-back titles. For Andrada, it now turns out that it was the wisest decision he ever made in life. Not to mention that it was backed by the support of family and friends. He shared that, even if his teammates left, he was not bitter. He believed that staying in San Beda was the best move he had ever made. He further added that the support he received really paid off; what a blessing it was to remain in Mendiola.  

In all this, Andrada epitomized the Red Cub turned Red Lion. He was the steady forward who upheld the gold standard of San Beda and welcomed new recruits and transfers into that kind of culture of winning. He reminded teammates that wearing the San Beda jersey comes with such high expectations, wherein losing is not an option, and the goal is always the championship. He also mentioned discipline; there was teaching to the younger ones to arrive early for practice and work hard every day. He had done that since his Red Cubs days, and he wanted the newcomers to see the effort and understand what it means to be part of San Beda.  

Andrada coached teammates in preparation—from local starlights like Nygel Gonzales to imports like Janti Miller—on getting ready physically, mentally, and emotionally, always pushing the San Beda way. His conviction was clear: prayer and work, ora et labora, define the Red Lion spirit.  

Now, as his San Beda journey closes, Andrada moves forward to a new challenge in the PBA with Magnolia. His work ethic and determination have prepared him well to carry the lessons of Mendiola into the pros. San Beda conditioned him for this arena, and he, in exchange, gave everything to the Red Cubs and the Red Lions.  That same loyalty that kept him in San Beda now drives him to chase and fulfill his lifelong dream of making an impact in the PBA.