Leo Austria finally returned to where he belongs after the decorated mentor resumed head coaching duties for San Miguel on Wednesday night.
The Beermen won decisively against Converge to get back on track in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. But more than the result, the 68-year-old Quezon native was full of gratitude for getting a second chance to do what he loves most.
“Thank God I was able to have another opportunity to coach the team,” he said moments after their 126-114 victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Austria took a backseat in the first six games of the conference as he underwent a heart procedure after blockages in his arteries were discovered. He found out about it following a medical checkup, as a requirement for those holding licenses issued by the Games and Amusements Board.
Lead deputy Peter Martin then had to take his place, although the 11-time champion coach actively took part in practices.
“Though I wasn’t coaching … I was always in practice — I’m trying my best to be with the team, to inspire them,” he said.
“But they want me to coach.”
Fast forward to Wednesday night, and Austria finally coached for the first time since May 15, or since their loss to the twice-to-beat Rain or Shine during the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
As experienced as he is, the Quezon-native admitted that he still felt jitters early in the bout against the FiberXers, but eventually got the hang of it again.
“I think this is my first time since May 15. At the start, I was really nervous, because I was just trying to feel the rhythm of the game,” he shared. Eventually, he’d lead his charges to the victory, predicated on a massive third-quarter assault en route to staying at No. 2 in Group A with a 5-2 card.
For Austria, his return is dedicated to everyone who helped him overcome his health scare and supported him on his journey back to coaching the powerhouse.
“I would like to thank the people who helped save my life,” he said. “Before the start of the conference, I didn’t know that I had something wrong with myself. I’m so thankful that there are so many people trying to help me.
“And here I’m back again to coach the team,” added the four-time Coach of the Year awardee.
“I’m so happy to be back and to give us another win.”
Still, Austria is treading the road to full recovery, and that’s where most of his attention is, aside from fulfilling his responsibilities with the Beermen.
“Thankful dahil I think baka 99-percent na ako. Still have to recuperate because as much as possible, I want to get back to where I belong.”
