The 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup was the best time for the rest of the league to overthrow the San Miguel Beermen from the top. But the other nine teams in the league will continue their chase for the gold standard, as the Beermen were able to secure their fourth straight Philippine Cup crown.
Even if he is unbeaten in all six of his Finals appearances, coach Leo Austria deflected all the credit to his players and the team’s management, headed by Ramon S. Ang.
“This is one for us. Sinasabi ko kanina na na-form itong team na ito because of the brilliance of our boss RSA,” reflected the reigning Coach of the Year after San Miguel’s 108-99 win. “The confidence and trust na binigay niya sa akin.
“I’m happy the players responded to the things na I want to impart to them, dahil I know if we will follow our game plan, it’s easy to win eh.”
In a month’s time, however, the strong will literally get stronger.
Arriving from the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions is the first overall pick in the 2017 PBA Draft, Christian Standhardinger, whom they received from the Kia Picanto last October.
During the on-going ABL season, the 6-foot-8 Filipino-German is averaging 23.05 points and 11.7 rebounds for Alab Pilipinas. But even with his addition, Austria believes that having him won’t guarantee a championship.
“The possibility of losing is still there, every game, every conference. You still need to work hard dahil talent is not enough.
“If they will work hard and have a good camaraderie and good preparation, there’s a great possibility that we can win another championship,” the amiable tactician shared.
“But this is still a long shot because every team in the PBA right now is trying to build up their team. Magagaling ang mga import this coming from conference but it happens na dalawa ang import na darating sa amin, isa from Hong Kong and isa from the US,” he quipped.
To ease his transition, Standhardinger has been constantly getting updates from the Beermen’s staff and players, disclosed Austria.
“I think that team is really excited sa pagdating ni Standhardinger. I think i-we-welcome nila ng buong buo siya dahil alam nila malaki ang matutulong niya. Si Christian lagi nagco-communicate with our players and management,” Austria pointed out.
“Very excited din siyang makasama kami.”
For his part, Austria knows that work has to be done for him to integrate the 2016 SEA Games gold medalist seamlessly to his rotation. And he is embracing this challenge with open arms.
“Sabi nila, it will be a problem but sabi ko, it will be a good problem.
“May criticism kasi na I only use seven or eight players but may darating na import from Hong Kong and the US. Hahaba yung rotation ko to ten men,” Austria beamed.
