Boyet Fernandez returns to the Lions’ Den
Two-time NCAA champion coach Boyet Fernandez is set to make his return to San Beda College for the Red Lions’ Season 92 campaign.
After approving the team’s request to sign Fernandez last Wednesday, Manny V. Pangilinan, the team’s chief booster, and his camp formally presented the 45-year-old mentor to school rector Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, Sunday evening.
“After consulting with the school president, MVP confirmed last night the appointment of Boyet Fernandez as new Red Lions head coach,” team manager Jude Roque shared.
“It is also a logical choice, especially with the newly formed Cignal-San Beda D-League team, which Boyet will also handle.”
The 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup will serve as part of the team’s preparation for their title defense bid. Cignal-San Beda will be composed of a core of the Red Lions, a team that have lost just one student-athlete to graduation — Dan Sara.
Fernandez’s hiring comes after the resignation of coach Jamike Jarin, who is set to become the head coach of the National University Bulldogs.
Fernandez needs no introduction to the San Beda faithful, as he had steered the Red Lions to back-to-back crowns during the NCAA’s 89th and 90th season. He compiled a 35-21 record, 7-1 in the playoffs, in his first tour of duty.
He was then tasked to mentor the NLEX Road Warriors for two seasons. His stay with NLEX only produced two playoff appearances, however, and he lost all six of his playoff games. Moreover, he went just 28-38 with the Road Warriors. Fernandez was then relieved of head coaching duties after Yeng Guiao was brought on board last October.
