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    Fernandez proud to see San Beda quartet bag awards, but title the main goal

    Fernandez: 'Anything short of a championship is a disappointment'
    Nov 11, 2019

    RARE is an understatement for the achievement San Beda had, not only in completing a perfect 18-0 eliminations romp but also having three players in the Mythical Team this NCAA Season 95.

    It's a testament to the impeccable basketball program the Mendiola school has had, and coach Boyet Fernandez couldn't be prouder of his boys.

    "It's really a big boost of confidence to the players who won it, to the whole team, and to the San Beda basketball program, proving that we have a solid basketball program and we do take care of the players from their development and improving their basketball skills," he said.

    Calvin Oftana was a revelation this season with his 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks to become the first Red Lion to win the top individual award since Sudan Daniel claimed the MVP in 2010.

    But it's not all him, with league leader in assists Evan Nelle and Fil-Canadian stud James Canlas joining him in leading the sweep as the trio led the statistical points race for the MVP plum.

    Cameroonian center Donald Tankoua also took home the Best Foreign Player award as he kept the paint covered for San Beda in this run that gave it an outright Finals berth

    For all of the Red Lions' success individually, Fernandez reminded his wards that these honors are moot if they do not get the job done.

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    "We know our goals. Dito sa San Beda, anything short of a championship is a disappointment and we don't want to disappoint our community if we don't win the title," he said, with the squad just two wins away from a four-peat.

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      And even though fears of rust are taken in context, especially with San Beda on the freezer for 27 days, the multi-titled mentor has made it a point to make the most of the rest it got.

      "We maximized those days by giving my players rest days to recuperate their pains and aches. We allowed also our players to catch up on their classes while continuing our practices," he said.

      "There is no question na mas maganda pa rin kung may actual game, pero yan din ang advantage and disadvantage for having won all of the games in the eliminations. We just did what we think is best to prepare the team for the Finals."

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      San Beda begins its best-of-three championship series against Letran on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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