Altamirano, Fernandez get coaching honors

MANILA, Philippines – National University's Eric Altamirano and San Beda's Boyet Fernandez will be recognized for their coaching brilliance when the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps holds the 2014 Collegiate Basketball Awards on Dec. 4 at the Saisaki-Kamayan EDSA branch.

Altamirano and Fernandez will receive the Coach of the Year awards for steering their respective teams to historic runs in the recent UAAP and NCAA basketball seasons.

The two former PBA cagers who eventually found success in the coaching ranks are some of the personalities who will be honored by SMART together with the group of scribes from various platforms covering the collegiate beat.

After struggling in his first three seasons with NU, Altamirano guided the Bulldogs in a memorable run to turn a team reeling from the loss of Bobby Ray Parks into UAAP champions.

With a slew of dependable players like Alfred Aroga, Troy Rosario and Gelo Alolino at his disposal, Altamirano endured five do-or-die games to help NU capture its first title since 1954.

Fernandez capped off his two-year stay with San Beda by extending the Red Lions' reign in the NCAA.

Relying on a nucleus bannered by Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, Art dela Cruz and David Semerad, San Beda overcame an uncharacteristic slump late in the elimination round to win its fifth straight championship.

The title win was a fitting sendoff for Fernandez, who is now coaching the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA.

The annual recognition dinner, supported by Smart Sports, Accel 3XVI and Kohl Industries (Doctor J alcohol, Bactigel hand sanitizer, Mighty Mom dishwashing liquid), honors the outstanding performers in the country’s top two varsity leagues.