NCAA: San Beda coach confident of guard rotation despite key loss

San Beda Red Lions coach Yuri Escueta during the Filoil Preseason Tournament Finals.–FILOIL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—San Beda will have to make do without one of its key players in its NCAA title defense in the upcoming Season 102 men’s basketball tournament.

After losing stars Janti Miller, Bryan Sajonia and Joe Celzo, the Red Lions also won’t have the services of starting guard Nygel Gonzales, who suffered a torn ACL in the offseason.

“Losing Nygel is very big for us, especially since he’s a big part of our defensive schemes,” coach Yuri Escueta told the Inquirer during the league’s pre-season press conference on Monday at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Janti Miller transfers to La Salle from San Beda

When asked who would take on the mantle as the Red Lions’ premier guard, Escueta joked he’s the next man up.

“Sabi ko ako na lang, e. Ako na lang mag-point guard,” the former Ateneo guard said in jest. (I told them I’d do it. I’ll play point guard.)

Kidding aside, Escueta remains confident that the team has other guards who have what it takes to step up.

“We have capable guards. I’m very confident with our guard rotation. We have Jimmy Reyes, Penny (Estacio), Maco Dabao and Dan Marcelo.”

Gonzales was a key part of San Beda’s NCAA Finals sweep of rival Letran last season, averaging 16.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds.

“His recovery is looking very positive. He’s in his third month and he’s running and jumping now. We’re very happy with the process of his recovery,” said Escueta o