Yuki Andrada has begun a new chapter in his basketball career, emerging as one of the young faces of Magnolia in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Fresh off a championship run with San Beda University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 men’s basketball Finals against Letran College, the 6-foot-5 forward made his PBA debut last December 21, albeit in an 83-94 loss to the TNT Tropang 5G in the Season 50 Philippine Cup eliminations. 

While his first outing in the professional ranks ended in defeat, the sixth overall pick of this year’s Rookie Draft showed the same hunger that helped him capture two titles with the Red Lions.

“It’s unfortunate that my debut came in a loss, but there are still a lot of things I can look forward to,” said Andrada, who finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The sweet-shooting forward emphasized patience as he navigates his new journey, believing it will once again be key to his success just as it was during his collegiate career.

“I was also once a rookie with San Beda. I stayed patient, and it bore fruit with multiple championships and Final Four appearances,” said the 24-year-old.

Andrada is also eager to learn from his fellow San Beda alumni with Magnolia — former Red Lions Peter Alfaro and Rome Dela Rosa, as well as former Red Cubs standout and current Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio.

“I know they will give me the proper guidance. They were successful with San Beda and are doing great in the PBA, and that’s a path I can follow as well,” Andrada said.