San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez. Josh Albelda, ABS-CBN Sports

MANILA, Philippines – Incoming San Beda College head coach Boyet Fernandez is looking forward to the Red Lions' stint in the upcoming PBA D-League conference, as it will give him and his players a chance to get to know each other ahead of the NCAA season.

Fernandez formally took over as San Beda's coach in the first week of January, replacing Jamike Jarin who led the Red Lions to the Season 92 crown. It will be Fernandez's second stint in Mendiola as he previously led the team to the NCAA titles in Seasons 89 and 90.

"Chance ko naman na bumalik ulit sa Red Lions, para naman maibalik ko rin 'yung naitulong ng Red Lions sa akin," Fernandez said in an interview on ANC's "Hardball." "I will never be in the PBA if not for the Red Lions as well."

• READ: Mas mapapabilis ang transition ko -- San Beda coach Fernandez

The team that Fernandez will coach features several different players from the squad he handled three years ago. Gone are Arthur dela Cruz, Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer and the Semerad twins. He is familiar with Radge Tongco and Javee Mocon, who were little used players during his first run in San Beda, but now carry heavier loads for the team.

However, Fernandez is still getting to know players like Robert Bolick, Davon Potts, Calvin Oftana and Ben Adamos, among others.

Their stint in the D-League Aspirants' Cup, which starts on January 19, will give Fernandez the chance to get to know his players, and for the Red Lions to familiarize themselves with their new coach's system.

"I'm looking for the San Beda core to play for Cignal in the D-League, para naman mabilis 'yung aming transition, from Coach Jamike papunta sa akin," Fernandez said.

Aside from hastening their adjustment period, there are also other benefits to playing in the D-League as a unit.

"At least nagiging experienced sila, nagiging mature sila in terms of their game," Fernandez said. "Beneficial siya for San Beda."

San Beda, which competes under the banner of Cignal in the D-League, took their own players in the draft last December, starting with the high-scoring Potts.

"It's up to add to add one or two more (players), depending on the availability nang nagta-try out sa amin," Fernandez said of the composition of the team for the D-League.

Fernandez said his primary goal for the offseason is to improve San Beda's defense. He noted that in Season 92, the Red Lions were among the best teams when it comes to forcing turnovers, but also gave up too many points in return.

"Before, when I took on San Beda, we're one of the best offensive teams, and one of the best defensive teams," he said. "So I want to bring it back."

However, he intends to retain the fast-paced offense employed by Jarin.

"I will adapt to that," he said. "I know the players really love the fast-paced game. Ang akin lang is, ili-limit ko lang 'yung gambling a little bit."

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