Coach: SLR still a solid defensive team without Miranda, Espino

Despite losing its reliable team captain and a dependable point guard in the off season, Sta. Lucia Realty coach Boyet Fernandez believes his squad remains as a solid defensive unit.

Playmaker Denok Miranda was recently shipped out to San Miguel Beer for a future pick while skipper Dennis Espino was traded to Coca-Cola for younger player Jason Misolas and two future second picks but Fernandez isn’t bothered at all. “We’re not calling it as a rebuilding process, but a preparation for the future," said the former Philippine Basketball Association point guard, who led the Realtors to a championship in just two seasons of coaching. “Our frontline is the oldest in the league and I guess we have to do something. It’s tough to let go of Cap (Espino) because he’s one of the pillars of this organization," added Fernandez. Espino’s departure leaves Marlou Aquino and Paolo Mendoza as the two most experienced players in the Sta. Lucia roster. But more than just preparing for the future, Fernandez explained the move gave the team more salary room space. “We’ve become more flexible in our salary cap," said Fernandez, whose team still has a solid core in former Most Valuable Player Kelly Williams, former Rookie of the Year Ryan Reyes, hardworking forward Bitoy Omolon and versatile guard Joseph Yeo. Fernandez also expressed high hopes for new recruits like Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana, Misolas and free agents Josh Urbiztondo and Ardy Larong. “If you take a look at our lineup, we have players who are capable of playing defense. That’s our style. We make stops, we have a good chance of winning," said Fernandez. The Sta. Lucia Lucia mentor likewise stressed that Omolon will not be shipped out of the squad. “There are teams seeking out for him, but I don’t think I can afford to lose him now," Fernandez said. - GMANews.TV