Tierra to coach San Beda on interim basis

MANILA, Philippines – For now, the San Beda Red Lions have a coaching vacuum.

San Beda has recently appointed Adonis Tierra to handle the team on an interim basis while it deliberates whether or not to get back NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez or find a replacement.

"No new coach yet but we have an interim coach who will handle the team while the school is in the process of making a decision," San Beda team manager Jude Roque told The STAR on Sunday.

Tierra will handle San Beda when it plunges into action in the Champions League set to start in Cebu this week.

The Lions parted ways with Fernandez, who is now with the Road Warriors in the PBA after steering them to a record-tying fifth straight title and 19th overall.

There were reports though that Fernandez may be asked to stay as San Beda chases a historic sixth-straight crown next season.

Talks also of Batang Gilas head coach Jamike Jarin succeeding Fernandez is also in the air.

But the expected decision last Saturday in the meeting among Fernandez, the team, top San Beda officials and top patron and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan didn't come.

Fernandez, who lost his first PBA game since four years ago with a defunct Sta. Lucia, said he leaves his fate at the hands of Pangilinan.

“We would have not won six championships with NLEX (in the D-League) and I wouldn’t have this chance to help San Beda win two championships without boss MVP’s trust,” said Fernandez.

“Whatever he (Pangilinan) wants, I will follow,” he added.