The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) celebrates its centennial with the theme, Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies. San Beda University (SBU) remains the sole founding school in the 100-year-old intercollegiate athletic association, the oldest in the country.

Since 1924, San Beda University has built a strong sports program across both the Junior and Senior divisions, achieving numerous placements and championships. The institution has produced many athletes who have gained recognition both locally and internationally.

While the university provides equal support for all sports, basketball remains one of the most anticipated NCAA events. After clinching their 23rd Men’s Senior Basketball Championship in Season 99, the Red Lions are back on a mission to defend their title, supported by Team Manager Jude Roque.

Jude Ericson Perea Roque, a proud graduate of San Beda High School (Class of 1987) and the College of Arts and Sciences (BSC Management, Class of 1991), has always been passionate about basketball. Though not equipped with the natural height or skills to excel as a player, he found his strength in coaching and has flourished in the sport.

After graduating from college, Jude ventured into the corporate world, starting as a Bank Teller at the Philippine National Bank (PNB). However, his passion for basketball never waned. He eventually pursued a coaching career, beginning as an Assistant Coach for the Ateneo Paserelle Team. It was no easy task, as he handled all aspects of coaching—from tracking player statistics and scouting talent to watching and editing videos. In 2009, Jude got his big break when he became an Assistant Coach for the first Gilas Men’s Team.

Jude takes pride in his Benedictine education, which emphasized academic excellence, spiritual development, and camaraderie. His time at San Beda not only honed his skills but also gave him lifelong friendships. In 2001, he returned to serve his alma mater as the Assistant Coach for the Red Lions, contributing to the team that ended a 28-year title drought with a championship in NCAA Season 82.

As the Red Lions’ Team Manager, Jude has overseen 7 NCAA Championships, 3 Fil-Oil Cup titles, and 2 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) wins. Jude has also played a key role in recruiting many of the team’s top players, including Season 82’s Rookie-MVP, Sam Ekwe. Reflecting on the challenges of today’s college basketball landscape, Jude shared, “The biggest challenge is perhaps in trying to recruit the best players available. Recruitment is the biggest factor for success in college basketball. Today, college basketball in the country has become very expensive. So, coping with the rising operational costs is another big challenge.”

Aside from being the Red Lion’s Team Manager, Jude is also a part-time sportswriter and is regularly seen on TV as a sportscaster who will always carry San Beda’s school colors with pride and to more victories. Here is Coach Jude’s message to the Bedan Community.

“Being a Bedan is special. But only Bedans can understand why. We rise to challenges even when under tough circumstances. But we remain grounded. Work and prayer. That’s what we do.

As for our Red Lions, you have my word that we will always strive for excellence and do our utmost best in every game we play.  The competition may be tough, but we will always come prepared and eager to get the victory. Please always support us through good times and bad, through wins and losses.  Because no matter how we do in the games, we always play our best for you.”

Jude Roque’s journey from an aspiring coach to a key figure in San Beda’s basketball legacy exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, excellence, and unwavering passion. His leadership and dedication, both on and off the court, serve as an inspiration to future generations of Bedan athletes and coaches.

As the NCAA celebrates its centennial with the theme Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies, Jude Roque and the Red Lions continue to build on a legacy that has shaped the school’s storied history. Through every championship and every challenge, they remind us that the strength of San Beda lies not just in its victories, but in its commitment to fostering character, discipline, and a lasting impact for generations to come.

With Jude’s steadfast leadership, the Red Lions are set to inspire more triumphs and create a legacy that will echo beyond the next hundred years.

by Teejay Gonzales (HS – 1993 and CAS – 1997)