Fernandez on Nelle: ‘It’s unfortunate things didn’t turn out well’

San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/Tristan Tamayo

MANILA, Philippines—San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez is ready to move on from the issue of Evan Nelle and his candid statements following their loss to Letran in the NCAA Season 95 basketball finals.

Nelle, in an interview with the Straight Up podcast, said that Fernandez blamed him for the Red Lions’ title loss and that led him to leave San Beda and transfer to De La Salle.

Fernandez, however, would rather wish good fortunes to his former point guard in the UAAP.

“I wish Evan well. It is unfortunate that things didn’t turn out well. It is not in my nature to talk against any of my players or former players publicly,” said Fernandez in a message to Inquirer Friday.

“I have turned a page and focused on getting back on the winning track despite the pandemic. We’ve won four out of the five NCAA tournaments that I coached with San Beda and we are determined to win another one for the San Beda community.”

The Red Lions were riding a three-year title in Fernandez’ second spell with the school and were looking to add a fourth straight championship in that impressive feat.

Letran, however, took the deciding Game 3, 81-79, to win its second title in five years.

A winner of four NCAA championships, Fernandez said his biggest accomplishment would be to guide players into their fullest capabilities.

“It gives me so much pride to see former Bedans thrive in the PBA like Baser Amer, Art De La Cruz, David and Anthony Semerad, Rome De La Rosa, Kyle Pascual, Robert ‘Babes’ Bolick and Javee Mocon who won four NCAA championships,” said Fernandez.

“Our players are our trophies as coaches. We have to take pride in that.”