Jorge Gallent envisioned that San Miguel would be off to a great start in the PBA Governors’ Cup since assuming the head coaching position.
That’s because things fell into place for the Beermen heading into the season-ending conference — from the early arrival of import Cameron Clark, plus the dedication he saw from his charges every practice.
“Through hard work, of course, yes,” said the long-time deputy, who was appointed in lieu of champion mentor Leo Austria prior to the tilt.
“We have been practicing hard, we’ve been doing things that surprised the opponents. And, yes, because our import came early. Cam is a big, big factor in this 5-0 start. He’s doing a great job,” he continued.
SMB on Thursday night stretched their unbeaten run to five following a 94-86 conquest of Meralco, their best start in about five years or since the 2017-18 Philippine Cup, where they also went 5-0 to eventually rule the tilt.
And just like what Gallent mentioned, Clark indeed played a big role in the triumph. He finished with 28 points, including the dagger jumper with 20.8 seconds left, on top of 12 rebounds, five assists, and a block.
But the locals did their part, too. CJ Perez contributed 19 points and five rebounds, Jericho Cruz made 13 points, while six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo registered yet another double-double with 11 markers and 14 boards.
“Hats off to him and the players, all of them are playing hard eh. Yung 5-0 na yan is because of them playing hard, because of them learning to play with one another. That’s the main reason why we’re 5-and-0,” said the 54-year-old.
But one thing that Gallent didn’t expect was the way they won their first three assignments, namely against Phoenix, Blackwater, and Terrafirma.
SMB blew them out by an average of 20 points — a 114-93 conquest of the Fuel Masters; a 105-86 beatdown of the Bossing; and a 122-102 win over the Dyip.
“I didn’t expect the first three games na we’re averaging, I think, [20] points ‘yung lamang,” said Gallent as around five to six Beermen scored in double figures in those dominant victories.
The veteran bench tactician, though, is well aware that they would be examined thoroughly by the other teams as the tourney progresses, so it’s all on San Miguel to avoid becoming predictable, he offered.
“Teams are getting tougher,” said Gallent.
“Now when the league is getting longer, nai-scout kami. We just have to learn through that and work through it.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
