San Beda Red Lions’ Jacob Cortez. –NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—San Beda can celebrate its sweet, sweet victory tonight after winning the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball championship but the following days may bring the Red Lions some stress.
For one, Jacob Cortez–who has been phenomenal for the Red Lions in the tail-end of the season–wasn’t exactly so clear about his future in San Beda.
During Game 3 of the Finals, rumors started swirling that Cortez could change his route next year—specifically, to UAAP champion La Salle.
So when he was asked about his future with the team, he simply said “nothing much, still sticking.” However, when he was asked if he was officially shutting down the rumors, he quipped with an “I don’t know.”
Cortez finished with eight points and eight assists to help coach Yuri Escueta snag the season title over the Cardinals.
While he didn’t win any individual award for the season, Cortez led the Red Lions in scoring at the end of the eliminations with averages of 15. 39 points, 3.56 rebounds and 3.44 assists per game.
Furthermore, the former University of Santo Tomas swingman revealed that he has some more offers on the table other than La Salle’s.
“Yes, there are [offers], not just from La Salle… There’s a lot from UAAP teams. As for international, there are none as of now, I don’t know if they’re hiding it from me. My dad’s (Mike Cortez) my agent,” he explained in jest.
While all that is up in the air, one thing is for certain: The “King Lion” will celebrate the Mendiola squad’s rise back to the mountaintop of the NCAA.
“I just want to celebrate this championship first and whatever happens next, happens.”
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