HEAD Coach Boyet Fernandez will be working on a San Beda Red Lions team almost half-depleted by the departure of key players in the pre-pandemic National Collegiate Athletic Association season.
But he remains confident the team will be in fighting form for the league’s 96th season, the schedule and format of which have yet to be determined.
“We still have our backup point guards who played in the PCCL [Philippine Collegiate Champions League] last year. They have the potential to lead us in the backcourt position,” Fernandez told BusinessMirror Sports.
The Red Lions reached the PCCL Finals that was completed just before the lockdown, but lost to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 57-46.
“As of now, we have looked for players who can fill up our vacant spots,” he added.
Season 95 Most Valuable Player Calvin Oftana opted to forego his final season of eligibility to turn pro. Donald Tankoua, Evan Nelle, Clint Doliguez and AC Soberano are also no longer at San Beda, with Nelle deciding to transfer to De La Salle.
The remaining players from the Season 95 Finals team that lost to Letran in three games are James Kwekuteye, Prince Etrata, JB Bahio, Ain Obenza, Franz Abuda, Kenmark Carino, Damie Cuntapay and Alex Visser.
“We recruited other guards from the province and we got the services of a point guard from National University,” said Fernandez, referring to playmaker JV Gallego. “If the NCAA season pushes through, we already have a guard that I’m sure will step-up.”
Fernandez also elevated from the Red Cubs Rhayyan Amsali, Yukien Andrada, Justine Sanchez and Tony Ynot and took from Far Eastern University Clifford Jopia and from Durham Crossover Brendon Ocampo.
Also in his roster are Gabriel Cometa and Lean Manloloyo from Cebu and Aljay Alloso from Davao.
“So far, our rotation is okay. I am confident that they will be able to fulfill their tasks,” Fernandez said. “But they’re still young that’s why we need to practice and train hard. But because of the pandemic, we have to be patient for now.”