When the game is on the line, Dylan de Jesús Fernández Blanco ‘27 isn’t just on the court—he’s everywhere, locking down opponents, grabbing rebounds, and igniting his team with relentless energy. Originally from Costa Rica, Fernández started playing basketball in fourth grade and has since developed into a versatile and reliable player.
His journey began in his home country, where he gained recognition for his outstanding performances against opponents in countries such as Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Fernández’s past experiences, combined with his dedication to improving his skills, makes him a standout athlete on his current team.
Fernández has played various positions throughout his career, including small forward, point guard, shooting guard, and power forward. He plays most as a shooting guard, known for his energetic defense and leadership qualities. Despite only being 5 foot 7 inches, Fernández compensates with an intense work ethic and strategic approach to the game, particularly on the defensive end of the floor, where he is regarded as a top defender on the team.
His teammates and coach all emphasize his defensive prowess, with Head Coach Rocco Gutierrez highlighting Fernández’s “good eye for the ball” and his ability to “get a lot of steals.”
Fernández’s offensive game is also impressive, with teammates like Joey Rodriguez Aponte noting that he has been “4-for-4 in threes” this season. Although Fernández’s primary strength lies in defense and rebounding, his ability to hit key shots and facilitate offensive plays has made him a well-rounded contributor to the team.
Sebastian Guzman ‘27, a teammate and also a shooting guard, admires Fernández’s high energy and aggressive playstyle, stating, “The team would honestly be a lot less energetic without him. He applies a lot of pressure to the ball, and I feel like we wouldn’t be as good of a defensive team if it weren’t for him.”
Off the court, Fernández is known for his positive attitude and leadership. He’s always encouraging his teammates, keeping their morale high even when shots aren’t falling or games aren’t going as planned.
Rodriguez said, “He pushes everybody to work harder. In practice, he’s always encouraging people to keep shooting the ball even after they miss.” He continued, “He’s always running straight to the ball, getting a rebound, and always hustling back on defense. He really improves everyone’s work ethic.”
Gutierrez said he believes that Fernández’s strong mentality and supportive nature are just as valuable as his physical skills. He said, “When Dylan is on the floor, it’s hard not to have him. He’s always making sure everybody’s happy, making sure everything’s good. He’s supportive when someone’s having a bad game or is in a slump. He guides them and reminds them to keep trying.”
As a player, Fernández still has areas to improve. Gutierrez said, “Something I would want Dylan to work on is ball-handling, and his drive to the basket. He’s a great shooter, great defender, but somebody like that, if you’re a great shooter and teams are pressing up on you, if you’re able to blow by them, then you’re an even better player.” These improvements would open up even more opportunities for Fernández and the team, giving him a chance to further elevate his already impressive skill set.
Rodriguez said, “He’s always encouraging everybody to be the best they can, he’s always paying attention. He’s a real good role model for the team, and I feel like the position the team is in right now, I think the team really needs that. He makes practices a lot better, and he really shines on the court.” Whether he’s defending, making a crucial shot, or lifting his teammates’ spirits, Dylan Fernández’s influence on the court is undeniable.
