Cortez follows dad’s footsteps, joins La Salle

Jacob Cortez takes his act to De La Salle University.

A day after he bid farewell to San Beda University, the prized guard confirmed his transfer to the Green Archers to see action in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines through a social media post on Friday.

The 21-year-old playmaker posted a photo of him donning La Salle's jersey during his grade school years and a recent picture wearing the school's basketball shirt.

Speculations of Cortez following his father Mike's footsteps as a Green Archer emerged shortly after he led the Red Lions to a dramatic come-from-behind finals series win over Mapua University to end a five-year title drought in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99.

Now Cortez is looking to make his mark wearing the green and white as a second generation player. Mike Cortez, known for his moniker as the "Cool Cat" made a name for himself during the early 2000s as he helped La Salle win two UAAP titles.

The younger Cortez penned a heartfelt farewell to San Beda last Thursday and bared his intentions to seek growth and new challenges.

"Challenging, improving, and growing is always my goal, and so I have decided to achieve this, I need to get out of my comfort zone. With that I plan to compete in the UAAP," his IG post caption read.

Cortez will have to serve a one-year residency before he can finally play for La Salle in Season 88.

In his last year with San Beda, Cortez averaged 15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks in 18 elimination games.

He normed 13.7 points, 4.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per outing in the finals.

Cortez is a welcome addition to a Green Archers side that saw the departure of Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy after ending a seven-year title drought.