San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta and graduating captain Yukien Andrada stuck together when they lost everything and remain intact now that they are harvesting the fruits of their labor.
Following their first NCAA title together back in Season 99, the mentor-player duo clinched another one two seasons later, in Season 101, after sweeping their archrivals, Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
The roar to the promised land
Of course, there was never an easy path en route to the top.
While Andrada gets his much-needed boost to play better from his teammates and the Red Lions’ coaching staff, Escueta, on the other hand, is motivated by the promises he made to the younger.
"I remembered our conversation after we lost to CSB last Season 100. He didn't think twice about coming back," the now two-time NCAA champion recalled.
Escueta was referring to the semifinal loss that the Red Lions suffered at the hands of the College of Saint Benilde Blazers last Season 100, falling short of a potential title defense following their Season 99 victory.
"I made a promise to him. That I will do my best to win a championship for him," Escueta said.
“Up to today, lahat ng hard work and inspiration ko is that promise that I made to him when we lost to CSB,” he added.
Through uncertainties
With players leaving the lion’s den, Yuri and Yukien, together, are the only constants that remained in Mendiola.
"I told Yuki, everyone has left us, only the two of us are left, at least we have two [championships] now," Escueta said.
For Andrada, they just have to work with whoever they have on the team and whoever wants to play in red and white.
Never mind those who left, as some reinforcements arrived alongside later developments, the Red Lions claimed their 24th championship title.