THE San Beda Red Lions won’t be the same team as returning coach Boyet Fernandez is giving them a different personality.
It will be a more defensive-minded squad when the Red Lions seek another championship stint in the coming 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
“There are differing coaching philosophies between (former coach) Jamike Jarin and Boyet Fernandez. We’re not too much on running and into the full-court press not like before. This time, the emphasis is on the half-court game,” said team manager Jude Roque.
The Red Lions’ new playing style will be seen when the season starts on July 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City as San Beda opens its campaign against the San Sebastian College Stags.
The Red Lions will be missing only one player in Dan Sara. who has graduated.
They have a deep roster to consider and former La Salle cager Robert Bolick playing for his second and probably last season, giving San Beda a measure of confidence when they eye another championship.
Bolick’s presence has helped San Beda move to greater heights during their pre-season preparations.
“Our goal is to keep that NCAA trophy at San Beda and we expect it to be tougher after our recent victory,” said Fernandez, back after steering the Lions to a back-to-back crown in 2013 and 2014.
The core of the San Beda roster is still around with Jayvee Mocon, Davon Potts, Jose Presbitero, Ben Adamos and Radge Tongco among the the holdovers from last year.
Fernandez is still choosing who among his three imports, Arnaud Noah, Nigerian Eugene Toba and Cameroonian Donald Tankoua, can come aboard this coming season.
San Beda will also introduce a pair of talented Ateneo transferees in burly guard Clint Doliguez and 6’8” Kenmark Carino.