Amaurys Fermin named Pirates new men's basketball head coach

- Press release by Porterville College Public Information Office

Porterville College (PC) has announced the appointment of Amaurys Fermin as the new Pirates Head Men's Basketball Coach.

After competing at the High School level at John F. Kennedy High School in Bronx, NY, Fermin began his career at the Junior College level at Missouri State and Hagerstown Community College. He then went on to play Division I ball at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in history.

During his senior season at Cal Poly, he led the Big West Conference with 119 assists, and helped the Mustangs reach the program's second-highest victory total in 18 Division I seasons. He comes to us directly from Allan Hancock College where he was the Lead Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for 5 seasons. He also served as the West Coast Elite UA Central Region Program Director.

During his time working with the 6th Man Basketball Academy, Fermin developed a passion for helping young athletes succeed. A passion he brings to the development of student-athletes, on and off the court, at Porterville College. He states, "First, I'd like to thank Athletic Director Joe Cascio and college President Dr. Habib for granting me the opportunity to lead the rich historic tradition of Porterville College Basketball. It is an honor to pay it forward to the Student/Athletes at Porterville College and the Porterville community. I am strongly committed to leading our Men's basketball program in student academic success and overall achievement while at Porterville College and life after Porterville College. Go Pirates!"

PC Athletic Director Joe Cascio shares coach Fermin's excitement for the future of Pirate Basketball. He adds, "I couldn't be happier to have Coach Fermin join our coaching staff. He brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and a coach. He has a natural ability to relate to students at this level and has a history of putting those students in a position to be successful, both on the court and in the classroom. We are very fortunate to have him as part of the PC family."

Fermin has also spent time as a professional athlete, playing on the Dominican Republic National Team alongside the likes of NBA players Al Horford, Karl Anthony Towns and Francisco Garcia. In 2012, they brought home the CentroBasket Championships Gold Medal. Fermin has also played professional ball for teams in Cyprus, Greece, Finland, and Puerto Rico.

PC President Dr. Claudia Habib shared her excitement for the arrival of Coach Fermin, "I am overjoyed that we are able to add Coach Fermin to the PC family, his extensive basketball career as a player, in the US and abroad, as well as his community college experience as a student and assistant coach, will inspire our students. After such a difficult year for our Student-Athletes, it is great to have them back on the court. I can't wait to be back in the stands next Fall to cheer on our PC Pirates!"