“I chose San Beda because they are a very successful team and they have many players that have gone pro. I think that me being in San Beda will help my confidence and skill as my goal is to become a professional,” he said in an interview with ESPN5.

San Beda is known for producing basketball professional players such as the recent NorthPort Batang Pier Robert Bolick and Clint Doliguez, Rain or Shine Elasto Painter Javee Mocon, and NLEX Road Warriors Calvin Oftana and AC Soberano.

And now, the 5-foot-11 guard is ready to be part of that list and to gun the Mendiola-based squad with his basketball experience from La Salle Greenhills before moving to University of Sto. Tomas where he gunned the Tiger Cubs in UAAP Season 82, averaging 15.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

On the other note, San Beda team manager Jude Roque welcomed the arrival of Cortez in the Lion’s den.

“I’m excited for Jacob as he will be joining other recruits from our high school team. We’re trying to build a competitive young core for the near future,” he said.

Currently, the team has James Canlas and other new recruited members—Red Cubs Rhayyan Amsali, Justine Sanchez, Yukien Andrada, Tony Ynot, Fil-Canadian Brendon Ocampo, NU transferee JV Gallego, and Gilas Youth stud Joshua Cajucom from Chiang Kai Shek.