Coach Leo Austria has never won a PBA game whenever he and his mighty San Miguel Beermen play in Lucena, Quezon, and that is why the esteemed mentor looks forward to ending the curse in the 2017 PBA All-Star Week.
“Another homecoming dun sa place namin. ‘Di pa ako nanalo sa lugar namin eh,” quipped Austria, who will call the shots for the Luzon All-Stars as they clash with Gilas Pilipinas on Friday, April 28, at the Quezon Convention Center.
The 59-year-old tactician had lost both of his games in the Philippine Cup Finals — one in 2016 against Alaska Aces that had sent them down 0-3 back in 2016, and just recently versus Barangay Ginebra, where the Gin Kings had tied the series at 1-1 early this year.
The Beermen went on to win both series to clinch the crown, and even became the second team in league history to cop the coveted, half-a-million-worth Perpetual Trophy after finishing off the Barangay in five games last February.
Still, the Sariaya-born Austria has yet to win in front of his fellow Quezon natives. And now is the best time for him to finally grab that elusive victory, as his Luzon All-Stars are a highly-stacked roster.
The team is bannered by SMB star players Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, and Alex Cabagnot; Ginebra trio Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio, and Japeth Aguilar; and TNT Katropa’s veteran 1-2 punch Jayson Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo.
Completing the squad are Star Hotshots duo Marc Pingris and Paul Lee; Alaska Aces’ franchise player Calvin Abueva; and Globalport Batang Pier stud Stanley Pringle.
“If you notice ‘no, the lineup is star-studded talaga,” called the 18-year veteran tactician. “I hope magkaroon ng showtime itong mga bata.
“We’ll allow them to play — I’ll give them the freedom to expose their talent. That’s what’s it all about All-Star eh, ipakita yung talent nila.”
On the other hand, Gilas will be represented by Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan, Norbert Torres, Bradwyn Guinto, Matthew Wright, Mike Tolomia, Ed Daquioag, Jonathan Grey, Almond Vosotros, Carl Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, and Arnold Van Opstal.
As much as his side wants to win, Austria still reiterated that they are also there to help the Nationals, who settled for a 114-114 draw against the Mindanao All Stars last Wednesday night, as they prepare for the SEABA tourney in May.
“I hope we could help the national team by playing this kind of all-star. I’ll tell the team that you have to play seriously for them to realize kung ano talagang meron sila,” closed Austria.
“That’s the only way we could help the national team.”
