Head Coach: Jamike Jarin
Last season: 13-5 (Champion)
Key losses: coach Boyet Fernandez, Kyle Pascual, Anthony Semerad, David Semerad
Key returnees: Baser Amer, Ola Adeogun, Art dela Cruz
Key additions: Pierre Tankoua
A new coach to continue a dynasty? That’s the job of Jamike Jarin this season as the fiery coach is tasked to lead the San Beda Red Lions to their sixth straight title in Season 91.
He has been given the unenviable task of sustaining the winning tradition for the Red Lions, which has spanned the tenures of three coaches from Frankie Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, to Boyet Fernandez.
And Jarin said he’s ready for the challenge.
“Somebody has to do it,” he said. “Unfortunately and fortunately, that’s me. It’s a double-bladed sword. I’m happy that I’m coming home with alma mater and help these young men achieve their goal.”
The adjustment so far has been seamless, and the coach said that he is lucky to have a solid and seasoned core this season.
“We have a solid core that’s coming in, a veteran team. I still have the best point guard in college in Baser Amer, the best point forward in Art dela Cruz, and the best center right now with Ola Adeogun, and a supporting cast that knows how to win. All of them are winners,” he said.
Jarin, though, reminded his guys that the thrust of their campaign this season isn’t focused on an individual but rather the entire team.
“It’s not gonna be a Baser Amer team, an Ola Adeogun team, an Art dela Cruz team. It’s gonna be the Red Lions.”
For Jarin, San Beda is not looking ahead to the championship round. Instead, they will just take it one step at a time as he set goals for the Red Lions or this season.
And despite the team racking up five consecutive titles in as many years, he still believes that the Red Lions still has the drive to snare more hardwares.
“It’s still the hunger, the pride of winning. The strength is the togetherness of these boys,” he said.
“The main goal is to end the eliminations with a twice-to-beat advantage. Then after that, if we’re fortunate enough to do that get to the Final Four and get to the Finals, hopefully, win another championship with San Beda. I’m confident that we’ll achieve those goals.” CFC
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