‘Art’ of winning : Fernandez rides on Dela Cruz heroics

MANILA, Philippines – When Boyet Fernandez left Bacolod and went to Manila for the first time to play ball for the defunct Phl Basketball League in the 90s, one of the first players who protected and took him in was Art dela Cruz.

Little that he know he will encounter another dela Cruz would come in and affect his life more than two decades later--Art's son Arthur.

"I remember in the 90s when I first went to Manila to play for Sta. Lucia in the PBL, Art dela Cruz took care of me," recalled Fernandez moments after steering San Beda to its first four-peat feat, seventh in the last eight seasons and 18th championship overall with a 2-1 series win over Letran Saturday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

"I didn't know that another dela Cruz will come into my life and affect it," he added.

Of course, Fernandez turned out one of the best amateur players during his time before eventually making it to the PBA along with the elder dela Cruz where he had memorable and successful years before turning into a champion coach that he is now.

Like the father, younger dela Cruz was a major game-changer for Fernandez as the former came through with a performance of his life in a clutch Game Three triumph by the Lions to give Fernandez his first crown as a collegiate coach.

Dela Cruz, who played high school ball for the San Beda Cubs, a few years with the Ateneo Eagles in the UAAP before deciding to transfer back to where it all started, eventually ended up bagging the Finals MVP plum for his clutch performance.

And Fernandez was quick to compare his recent conquest with San Beda equal to his championbships with the NLEX Road Warriors in the D-League and Sta. Lucia Realty in the pros almost a decade back.

"I have this same feeling when I won titles with NLEX and Sta. Lucia, it's something special," he said.

Fernandez was also quick to downplay his recent conquest.

"I must admit that I'm not a good coach. My secret is preparation and I have great assistant coaches surrounding me, I have to give credit to these people because I will not make it this far without them," said Fernandez.

With the win, Fernandez is expected to get an extension as coach of the Lions and get the golden chance of extending the school's dynastic reign for the another season.

And it looks like they will.

Of the current roster, only team captain Rome dela Rosa had played his fifth and final year after helping San Beda make five straight finals stints and winning the last four.

The rest, Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, Anthony and David Semerad, Kyle Pascual, Roldan Sara, Jaypee Mendoza and John Ludovice among others, are coming back to continue the tradition.

"Our team captain is the only one leaving us after this season, the rest will be around and hopefully win it again next year," said Fernandez.