SAN BEDA has parted ways with coach Boyet Fernandez two weeks after the 22-time champions saw its remarkable streak of 14 consecutive NCAA men’s basketball Finals appearances came to an end.

Fernandez’s fruitful seven-year stint – which had a brief lull when he went back to coaching in the pros in 2016-17 – was highighted by the Red Lions’ four titles.

In a statement to San Beda community, Fernandez expressed his gratefulness to the school for accepting him.

“Thank you so much to everyone, your messages give me strength in these trying times, so long until we meet again! God bless us all,” said Fernandez.

“For six NCAA seasons I coached, we had six Final Fours, five finals appearances, and four seniors basketball crowns, it was not bad but I know I came up short with all your expectations last season and I will take all the blame for that,” he added.

Fernandez and his staff have officially been let go by the university after an online meeting Sunday night.

During his stay with the Red Lions, in 2013-14 and in 2017-22, Fernandez logged an 102-17 win-loss record, where Javee Mocon, Baser Amer and Robert Bolick were among those who stood out.

The last two seasons saw San Beda being dethroned by bitter rival Letran in 2019 and eliminated by Mapua in the Final Four two weeks ago.

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Theodore P. Jurado