The journey from college basketball to the professional ranks is never easy. For many players, the PBA Draft represents not only a chance to pursue a dream but also an opportunity to carry the name of their school into the next level. At San Beda University, this year’s draft class is receiving a strong push from someone who knows them best—their head coach, Yuri Escueta.

Escueta has expressed his full confidence in several of his Red Lions who declared for the draft, namely Yukien Andrada, Bryan Sajonia, Joe Celzo, and Josh Tagala. As both a college mentor and a PBA assistant coach, he has the unique perspective of knowing what professional teams are looking for. According to him, these players may not be the flashiest names in the draft pool, but they are the type of disciplined, coachable athletes who can make an immediate impact on competitive teams.

What Escueta values most is not simply talent, but attitude and intelligence. He believes these players understand systems, know how to read defensive coverages, and are willing to embrace roles that contribute to the success of the team. In today’s PBA, where winning often comes down to chemistry and execution, such qualities can be more important than individual numbers.

Of course, skills still matter. Escueta singled out Andrada and Sajonia for their outside shooting, an asset that fits well with the modern pace-and-space style of basketball. Still, he repeatedly emphasized that their real strength lies in their ability to play within a system—a trait that has long defined San Beda basketball.

This endorsement is also a reflection of tradition. San Beda has produced numerous PBA talents over the years, from Robert Bolick to Calvin Oftana. Now, the new batch of hopefuls aims to follow that path, carrying with them the same discipline and resilience that made their predecessors successful. For Andrada and the rest, this is more than just a personal goal; it is about representing a legacy built over decades.

As the draft approaches, Escueta’s message rings loud and clear: the PBA does not thrive on star players alone. It also needs reliable role players, smart decision-makers, and hardworking individuals who are willing to put the team above themselves. In backing his players so openly, Escueta is not just vouching for their abilities—he is also reminding the basketball community of the values that turn good athletes into true professionals.

For San Beda, the future looks promising. If Escueta’s faith is rewarded, the Red Lions will soon roar in the PBA once again, this time as steady contributors ready to make their mark on the country’s biggest basketball stage.