MANNY V. Pangilinan has confirmed that Boyet Fernandez is on the short list of coaches he had in mind to take over from Ronnie Magsanoc as the next San Beda coach.
Pangilinan, the Red Lions' top backer, made it clear however that school officials will have the final say on who to appoint to a position left vacant following Magsanoc's surprise resignation on Saturday.
The business tycoon said he can only recommend but not decide on who to appoint as Magsanoc’s replacement.
“I can make a recommendation as to who I think is the best for the team,” Pangilinan told Spin.ph on the sidelines of the Talk 'N Text-Alaska game on Wednesday at the Big Dome.
“But ultimately, it’s the decision of the school.”
The businessman-sportsman, however, made no effort to hide who his choice would be if the decision was his to make, making special mention of three-time PBA D-League champion coach and Meralco assistant coach Fernandez.
“We have a shortlist of candidates and one of them (on the list) is Boyet Fernandez,” he said. “We know him, he’s with NLEX, he’s with Meralco, he’s a good coach.
"But as of now, there is no final decision yet and we haven’t really submitted a list to Father Rector.”
But if he can handpick the best man who can steer the Red Lions in their quest for a fourth successive NCAA championship next season, Pangilinan, tongue in cheek, said he only has one name in mind.
“Phil Jackson,” he said.
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