Coach Yuri on San Beda's growth ahead of NCAA Season 98: 'I'm positive with what I'm seeing'

Two months into his post in the Red Lions' den, San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta is liking what he's seeing from his relatively young team.

Escueta started leading San Beda practice in early July, even before he was officially named to the position previously held by multi-titled mentor Boyet Fernandez.

Since then, San Beda has participated in some preseason leagues, including the Filoil EcoOil 15th Preseason Cup. They are currently awaiting the results of the remaining two games in the elimination round of the Filoil tilt to determine whether they will make it to the playoffs.

Though the Red Lions have yet to return to their old dominant form, Escueta said the players have been responsive to his system.

"I'm very happy with what I'm seeing in terms of how they responded with what we're doing in practices. Talagang big leaps every game, every practice so 'pag may pinakita kami na kailangang ayusin sa viewing, nakikita namin na nagrerespond sila sa game. Doon sobrang saya ko," Escueta said on the heels of their 79-71 win over Lyceum on Saturday.

"I'm positive with what I'm seeing."

Escueta added that he has emphasized teaching in a detailed manner, something he learned from Tab Baldwin, for whom Escueta served as a deputy on the Ateneo bench.

"Gusto ko kasi malinaw 'yung mga teaching points sa kanila para at the same time natututo rin sila," said the San Beda coach.

"Ako kasi, disciple ni Coach Tab eh. Coach Tab is very detail-oriented so naeexplain talaga niya nang mabuti sa mga players. Hindi naman pwedeng sabihin ko lang sa kanila na dumipensa, kailangan kong sabihin kung paano gawin nang tama."

Escueta is hoping to continue to see the Red Lions grow especially with NCAA Season 98 officially starting on September 10.

"Unang-una magaling naman na talaga 'yung mga bata, sa system ko lang 'yung worry ko nung pumasok ako pero malaki 'yung improvement nila in terms of adapting to it."

—JMB, GMA News