Injuries Delay Return To Action Of Semerad Twins

The much-anticipated return to action of Anthony and David Semerad with the San Beda Red Lions will have to wait as the twins recuperate from injuries.

Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez said Anthony underwent surgery on his Achilles heel while David is still nursing a back injury, making their availability in doubt when the three-time NCAA champion Red Lions start their buildup in preseason tournaments.

The twins have been included in the Red Lions' lineup for the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup but Fernandez is looking at the NCAA tournament as a more attainable target date for the Semerads' return.

San Beda opens the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup against defending champion National University on April 13 at The Arena in San Juan.

“Anthony is getting stronger while David is still recuperating,” said Fernandez. “We are still hoping that they will be ready come NCAA time.”

“I don’t know if they will be ready for the Filoil but they are included in the lineup,” Fernandez added.

The Red Lions, who have lost head coach Ronnie Magsanoc as well as big man Jake Pascual, got a boost when the Semerad twins returned to the Mendiola-based squad after a botched transfer to Ateneo.

The good-looking twins were part of the team when the Red Lions captured the first two of three successive titles under former head coach Frankie Lim.

Fernandez welcomed the two's return.

“They fortified our wing position especially Anthony, he can shoot the three. And then, David fortified the position vacated by Jake Pascual so medyo naging stable kami,” said Fernandez.

Aside from the Semerads, the concurrent NLEX head coach in the PBA D-League said reserves like Jeric Estrada, a transferee from Ateneo, and Thomas Babilonia are also part of the San Beda pool.

Fernandez a tough battle for places in the NCAA team.

“There are also other guys na nasa reserve or Team B. Mahirap mag-bawas ng player. Fair lang ang magiging assessment namin. Kung hindi sila maka-pasok sa Filoil, hindi ibig sabihin na hindi ka na makakapag-NCAA,” said Fernandez.

source: Spin.ph