Richard Escoto looks forward to playing for MPBL's Bataan Risers

MANILA, Philippines – Richard Escoto is on his final playing season for the FEU Tamaraws in UAAP Season 81. He won one seniors title in 2015 when the Tams defeated the UST Growling Tigers in the finals. In the ongoing UAAP tournament where his FEU team sports a 7-6 record, Escoto is averaging 6.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 18 minutes of action per game.

When his UAAP career is done — whenever it ends — he will rejoin FEU teammates Achie Iñigo and Barkley Eboña as well as former college foes Jeepy Faundo (UST), Vince Tolentino (Ateneo), Jayjay Alejandro (NU) with the Bataan Risers.

And Escoto, younger brother of Russel and himself a former Philippine youth team player, looks forward to his new squad.

“I feel blessed and lucky that the Bataan Risers chose me,” beamed an excited Escoto before their last weekend match versus NU. “I am looking forward to join some former teammates and playing with others na hindi ko teammates and helping Bataan sa campaign nila. I am looking forward to work with Coach Jolas and to share my talents and skills with the team.”

“Winning a championship in college and the UAAP was an awesome experience lalo na kasama ko brother ko who is one of the players I look up to,” reflected Richard of his UAAP journey. “And now, I am joining a team that is on a 12-game winning streak and ang sarap to help and be a part of that effort.”

Richard hopes that his experience playing in the top collegiate league in the country as well as suiting up for the national team will be of great help to Bataan. “It is an honor to represent the country. Totoo yan kasi hindi lahat nabibigyan ng opportunity. I learned a lot from those experiences and I use all that in all my games.”

Escoto cited Joe Devance and Mac Belo as his current basketball idols. “They are smart players and I want to play the same way too. Hopefully, I can be a smart and effective player for Bataan.”