There should be no more doubts regarding Leo Austria and his ability to coach, according to June Mar Fajardo himself.
The PBA’s only nine-time MVP stood up for his ‘Pops’ yet again after the long-time mentor deflected all the credit to his players, following a successful Philippine Cup title defense against long-time rival TNT on Sunday night.
“Magaling talaga si Coach Leo,” he said in the postgame presser of their 92-77 win in Game 6 of the Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It was actually Austria who received a question about staying undefeated in the Finals of the league’s most prestigious conference. However, Fajardo quickly interjected and rained praises on the decorated bench tactician.
It’s as if the soft-spoken Cebuano had been waiting to celebrate the four-time PBA Press Corps Coach of the Year awardee, who — as he had done in the past — attributed their recent success to all of the Beernen.
“Dahil sa kanila, nagmukha na naman akong magaling,” said Austria as he gave a short speech in the middle of their celebration at center court.
(C) PBA Images
Then Fajardo would give back all the credit to the 67-year-old, since — despite his success with SMB — he still sees criticism from some skeptics and naysayers, who argue that he’s simply lucky given the amount of talent he’s managing.
“Hindi lang siya nabibigyan ng credit. Sobrang humble niya,” he said. “Pero ako na magsasabi sa inyo, magaling si Coach. Magaling siya na coach. Siya ‘yung dahilan kaya nananalo ng championship ang San Miguel.”
Following Sunday night’s win, Austria now has 11 titles as the franchise’s head coach — or 12, including as a consultant in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup.
The former PBA Rookie of the Year turned coach, moreover, has remained unbeaten in eight Philippine Cup Finals appearances.
Asked what makes their chief think-tank great, the now-five-time Finals MVP offered a short response. But it was one that solidly encapsulated his philosophy that’s been working so well for a team as stacked as San Miguel.
“Kasi pinapabayaan niya ‘yung mga players na maglaro. And nailalabas ng mga players yung game nila. At the same time, composed siya. Ayun. Nagsa-start ‘yan sa practice. Nadi-disiplina niya kami,” said Fajardo.
But Austria, ever the funny man, had this to say, although there should be no denying how honored he felt after hearing his star’s sentiments.
“Kaya magaling ako dahil may June Mar ako eh. At si June Mar magaling dahil merong ako,” he said with a hearty laugh.
