Yukien Andrada hopes to join long list of San Beda stars in PBA

Like many Red Lions before him, Yukien Andrada hopes to carry San Beda University’s proud tradition into the PBA.

San Beda has built a reputation for developing elite basketball talent, sending a steady stream of Red Lions to the PBA in recent years such as Robert Bolick, Baser Amer, Calvin Oftana, Javee Mocon, and Rome dela Rosa.

And the graduating Andrada looks to join that ever-growing list.

Andrada was among the NCAA players who submitted their names for the upcoming PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, joining his teammates Bryan Sajonia and Joe Celzo, as well as Benilde’s Tony Ynot, Shawn Umali, and Gab Cometa, and Letran’s Mark Denver Omega, Deo Cuajao, and Jun Roque.

"Siyempre masaya kasi 'yun nga ang isang reason why I went to San Beda because I know there are a lot of great players that are produced by San Beda Red Lions," Andrada told GMA News Online last Friday.

"That’s one of the main reasons talaga why I also stayed kasi alam ko talaga na malaki tsansa na makapasok sa pros which is an advantage."

The 24-year-old Andrada is set to close out an eight-year journey with San Beda, which included three years in high school and five years in college that saw him win two titles so far.

Andrada helped the Red Cubs regain the Season 95 juniors crown in 2019, linking up with Rhayyan Amsali, Justin Sanchez, and Ynot as they routed Lyceum of the Philippines University in the finals.

At the seniors level, Andrada has been a key figure for San Beda, helping the Red Lions consistently reach the Final Four and steering them to the Season 99 title against Mapua University.

In Season 100, however, Andrada and the Red Lions fell short of their title defense after bowing to De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in the semifinals. 

Andrada said that setback was exactly what motivated him to come back for his final year.

"I think kasi medyo 'di ako nagandahan sa last season namin, supposedly my last playing year, and I think I wanted to come back to end my career sa college with a championship," he added.

"‘Yun talaga ang sole reason why I came back here sa San Beda and not get drafted last year because I  want to win another championship with San Beda."

But regardless of what happens in the upcoming Season 101, Andrada has already set his sights on the pros.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News