San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez is simply happy that Jeramer Cabanag is getting the minutes he deserves as a guest player for UCBL champs Diliman College-Gerry’s Grill in the ongoing 2019 PBA D-League.
Known as a backup to star guard Robert Bolick in his final playing year with the Red Lions last 2018, Cabanag has been getting a lot of time under Diliman head coach Rensy Bajar, with an average of over 20 minutes per outing.
“Well, I’m happy with the way he’s playing right now. He’s averaging like twenty-three minutes per ball game? I’m happy for him,” expressed Fernandez.
“I do thank coach Rensy for giving him that time because he deserves that time.”
Fernandez has been vocal of how much he admires Cabanag not just for his work ethic, but also his willingness to take a backseat to Bolick for the team’s betterment, which led to them winning the NCAA Season 94 crown.
“Humingi ako ng pasensya sa kanya kasi he’s coming off at the back of Robert Bolick. Alam mo naman if Robert Bolick was there, medyo hirap talaga yung situwasyon. But I’m happy that he welcomed that role,” Fernandez said, as Cabanag only played spot minutes during their golden campaign.
Fernandez and San Beda got a chance to see Cabanag once again when they battled Diliman-Gerry’s Thursday.
There, they saw Cabanag grace the floor for 27 minutes and 43 seconds. He produced 10 points on a 40 percent clip, along with four rebounds, two steals, and an assist, though, unfortunately, it ended up a lost cause, 55-67.
Cabanag, who won multiple titles with San Beda, said that it felt weird facing his former teammates, given the time he had spent with them.
“Nakakapanibago kasi nasanay ako na sila yung kasama ko lagi. Sila yung kasama ko sa games, sa lahat ng laban,” he said.
“Nakakapanibago sa pakiramdam na kalaban mo sila, na mga dati mong kakampi, na dati mong team.”
Now, Fernandez wishes for nothing but the best for Cabanag, who’s among those aspiring for the next PBA Draft.
“I’m really happy with the way he’s playing right now… Hopefully it will propel Jeramer to a certain situation,” said the decorated tactician.
“Sana makapunta rin ng mas bigger leagues because he’s really a very good player.”
