After his heroic performance for San Beda University in the title series of National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 men’s basketball tournament, Jacob Cortez is not going anywhere — for now.
Cortez said he wants to savor the sweetness of their triumph before entertaining new challenges in other leagues, including in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Cortez, son of former De La Salle University star Mike Cortez, is being rumored to be moving to the Green Archers next year, the same path taken by Evan Nelle two years ago.
The speculations got even louder when another former La Salle superstar, Mac Cardona, posted on social media, saying that “Congratulations, Cortez. Welcome to La Salle.”
The post, however, had already been taken down.
Still, the 21-year-old Cortez is blocking off all outside noises despite admitting that the Green Archers and other UAAP schools are interested in having him.
“I’m still sticking with San Beda. I just want to celebrate this championship and let’s see what happens next,” said Cortez, whose father won two UAAP titles with Green Archers in 2000 and 2001.
“Yeah, there are (offers), not just La Salle. A lot of them came from the UAAP.”
Cortez’s performance in the finals against the Cardinals made heads turn as he averaged 13.67 points in the best-of-three championship series.