Jacob Cortez: The new King Archer

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

For Jacob Cortez, however, he is ready to wear it and reign over his kingdom.

After Kevin Quiambao left De La Salle University, the Green Archers were left without one of their figureheads, leaving only Mike Phillips among the trusted veterans.

Then came the newbie from Mendiola.

Jacob, the son of La Salle great Mike Cortez, is a royal-blooded Lasallian.

But prior to his move to La Salle, he had already made a name for himself. He won a championship with San Beda University and the Red Lions in NCAA Season 99 exactly two years ago on the same date: December 17.

In the august halls of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where champions are made and celebrated, Jacob once again won a title—this time in the UAAP.

“I love it, man. I’m speechless. My guys put up a good fight,” Cortez said after his team's 80-72 win in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 Finals.

“It was surreal, quite unbelievable. I was a little bit emotional because this was more difficult than the previous one that I had. Injuries, suspensions, a new team for me, new players like Kean and Pabs—we trusted each other no matter what,” he added.

Back in Game 1, Cortez delivered one of the most important baskets of the series—a triple that sealed the victory for the Green Archers.

Asked if he already thought about the “king” tag back then, Cortez said he needed to prove something first before claiming the title.

“Actually, yeah—but I had to win the championship to be called that,” Cortez told GMA News Online.

Now that the Green Archers are champions again, Cortez said he is ready to take on the mantle of the new King Archer.

“I think I’m ready,” he said.

“[It’s] super special because this is the team I grew up watching. To actually be that guy comes with a lot of responsibility, but again, it’s a blessing—something I wanted as a kid.”

And with the Season 88 title back in Taft, now Cortez can be crowned.

Heavy is the head?

“Bring it on.”

—JMB, GMA Integrated News