Fernandez declares San Beda ready
HEAD coach Boyet Fernandez said that San Beda University is nearing its peak form ahead of its seniors basketball title defense in the upcoming National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA) Season 94.
“Right now, we’re probably 60 percent in terms of execution of our offensive and defensive schemes. Physically, they ( players) are okay right now. We just have to be consistent,” said Fernandez, who steered the Red Lions to a second straight championship last season.
“We know that we will hit 100 percent when NCAA comes. We’ll just think about the maintenance,” added the bemedalled mentor.
San Beda mainstay and Gilas Pilipinas Cadet forward Javee Mocon said it’s better for them not to reach their full potential now, as the oldest collegiate league’s tip off is still a month away.
“For us, it’s okay. As what coach Jude ( Roque) said, we don’t like that we’re peaking too early then fall down during collegiate season,” said Mocon.
Following their respectable campaign in the 29th Dubai International Basketball Tournament last January, the Red Lions went to their annual two- week training camp abroad.
The Red Lions have been training in Las Vegas for the past two years and in Lithuania in 2014. Recently, they received tuition from renowned skills trainer Ganon Baker in Miami, Florida, USA.
“We have learned other things that we will try to incorporate to the system. However, it will take time,” said Fernandez.
“We’ll try to adjust to it and hopefully the players will get to know it comes the NCAA season,” he added.
The veteran coach, who won trophies in the Philippine Basketball Association and its developmental league, will be mentoring the core of San Beda’s champion roster in their three- peat bid this season.
Mocon and fellow “23for- 23” national team pool member Robert Bolick will lead the Red Lions anew along with defending finals MVP Donald Tankoua, AC Soberano, Joe Presbitero and Radge Tongco.
Last year, San Beda swept the titular series against Lyceum of the Philippines University, which was tagged as the favorite after sweeping the 18- game elimination round.
JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA