As he plays his final year in the NCAA, James Kwekuteye is looking to develop into a multi-dimensional player in his bid to make it to the professional level.
And San Beda coach Yuri Escueta is liking the growth of his star guard so far.
"Hindi ko siya masyadong napanood last season but I know he can score. But one thing that I appreciate about him is on the defensive side," said Escueta after they escaped San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 78-71, to go 2-2 in Season 98.
"He's putting his effort defensively, getting rebounds, making good decisions on offense. His scoring form is natural eh, syempre when you get to the pros, you can be defended [by the likes] of Brian Heruela."
"'Yun, hindi mo ma-one-on-one 'yung mga 'yun so 'yun 'yung next level na gusto kong mapuntahan niya. 'Yung defensive side niya 'yung pinaka-happy ako."
In his first four games for the Red Lions this season, there's no doubt the Filipino-Canadian cager can lead on the offensive side, averaging 15.0 points, 4.67 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.67 steals, and 0.67 blocks in three games.
Against the Stags, Kwekuteye again starred for the Mendiola crew as he finished with 20 points, three rebounds, three steals, and one assist to steer San Beda to its second win in four outings.
"Scoring is natural for me. Me, I'm just trying to be like a point guard now because like he (Escueta) said, when I go pro it's going to be different," the 24-year-old guard shared.
"I've adjusted to it so I'm just trying to find my teammates more and just play in the system."
—JMB, GMA News
