“Ang galing. Ang galing nung [Yukien] Andrada.”
That was how TNT Tropang 5G coach Chot Reyes described Magnolia Hotshots rookie Yukien Andrada after the Tropa beat the Hotshots on Saturday to advance to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Andrada, a rookie from the NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, was a bright spot for Magnolia on Saturday, firing 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting on top of 5 rebounds—all while having the unenviable task of guarding either fellow Bedan Calvin Oftana or RR Pogoy.
Oftana Echoes Coach’s Assessment, Happy for Yukien Andrada
Oftana was actually asked postgame how he felt about playing a fellow San Beda alum, and he was starting his answer when Reyes described Andrada as “magaling.” Oftana agreed, nodding his head and repeating Reyes’s initial description. He also raved about the ex–Red Lion’s fearlessness and wished him well in his career.
“I’m just happy na may Bedista na naman na naglalaro sa PBA. Ang galing, ang galing na bata,” Oftana said of Andrada. “Malakas ’yung loob. Sana dalhin niya pa sa mga next game, sa next conference. Hats off sa kanya, talagang andun ’yung composure niya sa laro. ’Pag libre, tira. Hindi natatakot ’yung bata. Shooter din talaga.”
An Omen of Things to Come?
Yukien Andrada was Magnolia’s first-round pick in the PBA Season 50 Draft, taking him sixth behind Geo Chiu (Terrafirma Dyip), Juan Gomez de Liaño (Converge FiberXers), Dalph Panopio (Blackwater Bossing), Chris Koon (Titan Ultra Giant Risers), and Ljay Gonzales (NLEX Road Warriors). However, he couldn’t play right away, as he had to fulfill his senior-year obligations for San Beda—something he did with aplomb as he helped the Red Lions, together with super rookie Agjanti Miller, win the title in NCAA Season 101.
The newly minted NCAA champion made his debut, ironically, against TNT as well in Magnolia’s final elimination round game a couple of weeks ago. Andrada had a near double-double of 12 points and 9 rebounds in his first game as a pro, albeit in a close loss that pushed the Hotshots to twice-to-win territory.
And after following up his superb debut with another solid effort, it’s looking like Yukien Andrada will be a cornerstone of this young Magnolia squad.
