Jacob Cortez decided to leave the Red Lions' lair for a stint in the UAAP

Cortez announced the development in a social media post on Thursday morning, January 11.

"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," wrote Cortez.  먹튀검증

"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."

The 5-foot-11 Cortez did not specify which UAAP school he is headed to but he has been reportedly wooed by the defending UAAP champs De La Salle Green Archers.

Cortez joining La Salle makes a lot of sense considering that his father Mike played and won championships with the Taft-based university.

A three-season veteran in the NCAA, the younger Cortez previously said that his father stands as his agent.

"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, who logged 15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals for San Beda last season.

"Still, the most unforgettable part of the past couple of years has been all of you. Along the journey, I've truly met people who I can call family now. My teammates, coaches, managers, basketball staff members, classmates, teachers, and the Red Army. Saying thank you is not enough to show my gratitude toward them but I will say it, anyway. Thank you all!"

Against the Mapua Cardinals in the best-of-3 Finals, Cortez normed 13.7 points, 4.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals for the Red Lions who came back from a 0-1 series deficit to win their first championship in five years and 23rd overall.