Fernandez Lost 10 Pounds, Not His Sense of Humor

Posted Nov 17, 2009 by Scott Carter

Updated Nov 17, 2009 at 10:41 AM

USF women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez remains a step slow despite losing 10 pounds last week due to a severe case of divertculitis. Fernandez was back on the bench during USF’s 88-72 win over Saint Peter’s on Monday night at the Sun Dome.

“I didn’t eat for a week,’’ Fernandez said Monday. “I had jello on Friday, and it tasted like the best jello I ever had. I’m on that low-fiber diet now. I don’t recommend it for weight loss.’‘

He spent four days in the hospital last week and missed USF’s season-opening loss to Florida A&M on Friday. While Fernandez is still recovering from his illness, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. He watched the loss to Florida A&M in the hospital but wishes he hadn’t.

“I watched it on Saturday at the hospital. Our video guy brought the video to me at the hospital,’’ he said. “But I was off morphine. I wish I had been on morphine when I watched it.

The Bulls rebounded Monday, evening their record at 1-1. While Fernandez was pleased with the victory, he is ready to get back to work.

“We’ve got to get a lot better in the next two months to be competitive in the Big East,’’ Fernandez said. “I think right now early, we’re feeling the effects of some inexperience.’’