Maco Dabao chooses San Beda, eyes championship run under Escueta

San Beda was represented by team manager Jude Roque, head coach Yuri Escueta, director of Red Lions Booster Club Ryu Policarpio and Atty. Jiboy Cabochan, and assistant coach Ralph Penuela.

Penuela is also the skills coach of Dabao.

The 19-year-old guard shared that San Beda was the school where he saw himself best positioned to develop and grow further.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

“It has been a very tough decision, but I was just weighing my options to find the best opportunity for myself. San Beda has been very clear about what they have planned for me,” he told Tiebreaker Times.

“Knowing their culture, I believe it will really help me with my growth.”

Dabao had a standout Grade 12 campaign with the Junior Archers, averaging 17.29 points, 5.93 rebounds, 2.21 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. He led his school to a Final Four finish while also earning a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Elite Team.

“Very pleased that Maco chose San Beda. He will add firepower to our team as a Mythical Team member and one of the best scorers in the last UAAP juniors season. He seems to be a good fit for our system — he reminds me of a young Jacob Cortez,” said Roque.

Now, he gets to learn from veteran guard Nygel Gonzales and champion coach Yuri Escueta at San Beda.

“Of course, I want to be the best player I can be to help the team win. But my goal is to bring them a championship during my time in San Beda,” he said.