Cortez leaving San Beda for La Salle

MANILA, Philippines —  It’s an open secret that, even before San Beda’s remarkable Season 99 NCAA title run last year, King Lion Jacob Cortez would eventually jump over to La Salle in the UAAP.

Cortez himself confirmed he’s leaving the Lions’ lair.

“With great difficulty, I have decided that my time as a Red Lion is closing, and would like to officially announce that I will not be playing for San Beda University in their upcoming season,” said Cortez on Facebook.

“Challenging, improving, and growing is always my goal, and so I have decided that to achieve this, I need to get out of my comfort zone.

“With that, I plan to compete in the UAAP,” he added.

While he did not mention La Salle specifically, his path has always pointed towards the camp of reigning UAAP titlist La Salle where his father, Mike Cortez, was one of its biggest stars more than two decades ago.

He’s jumping from a champion team to another champion squad.

Cortez was grateful San Beda gave him a chance.

“I have had the best time at San Beda. From playing as a rookie fresh out of high school in an isolating yet invigorating bubble season to helping bring back the crown where it belongs after many have counted San Beda out,” said Cortez.