Seeing Justin Patton’s ability to become a threat on both ends of the floor was enough to convince the San Miguel Beer coaches and management to switch imports three games into the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
No less than head coach Leo Austria explained as much when asked about the rationale behind the decision to bring in the former NBA pro in place of Marcus Lee, who was their original choice for the midseason tournament.
“A few inches lang na mas malaki si Justin Patton, and based on the clips na nakita namin, he can shoot from the three, and from out of the shaded area,” he said shortly after their 110-94 victory over Macau on Tuesday night.
That game against the Black Knights, witnessed by a good crowd at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, also happened to be Patton’s debut, and he did perform.
Listed at 7-foot-1, the 28-year-old center fired 18 points in the first half alone to help his side’s strong surge to take the lead for good, and went on to finish with 24 points and 17 rebounds–another facet which Austria appreciates as well.
In fact, he finished with a full stat line, as he also tallied two assists, three steals, and a block. And the four-time PBA Press Corps Coach of the Year was pleased with the way he contributed on defense, being a rim protector.
(C) PBA Images
“Makikita natin, he’s a good rebounder. At kanina talagang makikita niyo ‘yung kanyang size, something that could intimidate [the other team] dahil na-limit namin ‘yung inside points ng kalaban,” Austria offered.
“Except ‘yung second chance points nila, ‘yung mga napulot. Pero halos walang maka-penetrate sa kanya, eh,” added the 68-year-old former Adamson coach.
Patton being formally brought in happened days after their humiliating loss to TNT, in which they got overpowered by a team led by Bol Bol, who’s undeniably been the yardstick among the reinforcements of the ongoing conference.
Will he be SMB’s answer to the 7-foot-3 winger? It remains to be seen, but the team is filled with optimism that he could just be what they’re looking for.
“Malaki maitutulong nun ‘pag nakondisyon,” offered nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.
“Ngayon kasi, naninibago pa siya sa weather… pero sa nilaro niya ngayon, sana tuloy-tuloy ‘yung maganda niyang ipinakita.”
For now, Patton’s string of tests lies ahead in their next three outings, in which the Beermen will be facing Barangay Ginebra, Rain or Shine, and Magnolia–a killer stretch which begins this Easter Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“‘Yung plano namin, nag-start kahapon. We had to win against Macau because it would give us confidence,” said Austria. “Especially, we have a new import.”
“Dahil alam mo naman ang mga players, ‘pag nakita ang import mo, hindi nakakatulong; ‘yung confidence nila bumababa, eh. But after tonight’s game, I think he will help us a lot, especially on rebounding and rim protection,” he added.
“That’s why ‘yung mga susunod na game, malalakas din, and I think it will be exciting games for us.”
