San Beda Ready To Defend The Title

While expectations are high for San Beda to extend its reign in the NCAA to four years, the pressure for new coach Boyet Fernandez likewise continues to grow as the country’s oldest collegiate league opens shop on June 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Lampas ulo na ang pressure sa akin,” said Fernandez noting that students and school officials are expecting them to retain the championship which they have won for three straight years and six times in the last seven years.

One reason why the chances of the Red Lions look radiant is they practically have the same solid line-up as last year, thus giving them a big psychological advantage over Letran and San Sebastian – teams orphaned by key players.

Ace gunner Kevin Alas opted to skip his final year for Letran and while Ronald Pascual and Ian Sanggalang of San Sebastian are also out although Sangalang said he wanted to return.

The success of San Beda can be attributed to the sound basketball program laid down by past coaches Frankie Lim and Ronnie Magsanoc.

Magsanoc was the architect of the last title run while Lim engineered five titles in six years.

The legacy left by these coaches is making Fernandez restless, knowing his filling in a big shoe.

By winning last year’s title at the expense of Letran, San Beda also became the winningest school in the NCAA with 17 titles.

Fernandez is ready to face the challenge head on.

San Beda is coming off a two and a half week summer training camp in the United States where team defense and individual skills were further developed.

After the camp, they competed in the recent Filoil tournament where they finished third.

“We are preparing ourselves on the defensive side. Although marami pang kailangan ayusin, we’re slowly getting used to each other,” Fernandez said.

His team is bannered by last year’s Finals MVP Baser Amer, Nigerian center Ola Adeogun, Art dela Cruz, Kyle Pascual and veteran forward Rome dela Rosa. Also returning to the Red Lions are twins Anthony and David Semerad.

soure: Manila Bulletin