Roel Aurelio "Yuri" Escueta (born February 16, 1985) is a former collegiate basketball player who currently serves as the head coach of San Beda Red Lions.
Playing career He played on high school as a member of San Beda Red Cubs with future La Salle star JVee Casio. In college, he played on the Ateneo Blue Eagles, together with Chris Tiu and coached by Norman Black, he helped his team to a UAAP finals appearances (2006), and a championship (2008), defeating his former high school teammate Casio.
Coaching career
Early years He worked on his alma mater as an assistant coach under Tab Baldwin. He also worked as an assistant coach in TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
San Beda On July 27, 2022, Escueta was hired to replace Boyet Fernandez as the head coach of San Beda. On his first season, the Red Lions made it to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by the Benilde Blazers.
In 2023, he served one-game suspension against the JRU Heavy Bombers. Andre Santos coached San Beda against JRU on an interim basis. He then led the team to win the 2023 championship against Mapua Cardinals.
In 2024, he again led the Red Lions to the playoffs, where they were eliminated by Benilde.
Career record
Collegiate SeasonTeamElimination roundPlayoffsGPWLPCTFinishGPWLPCTResults2022SBU18126.6674th101.000Lost in the semifinals 202318126.6673rd541.800Champions 202418108.5563rd101.000Lost in the semifinals20251394.6921st431.750ChampionsTotals674324.641—1174.6362 Championships
Personal life He is a cousin of retired PBA legend and coach Olsen Racela, and collegiate coach Nash Racela.
References