San Miguel deemed it best not to field Robbie Herndon in its 2022 PBA Philippine Cup campaign opener against Phoenix Super LPG on Wednesday.
Beermen head coach Leo Austria said that he’d rather have the Fil-Am deadshot acclimatiz with their scheme first before throwing him into action. Herndon has only practiced once since arriving via trade from Converge.
“He was able to practice only once,” said the champion mentor moments after their 108-100 victory over the Fuel Masters at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Mahirap naman maglaro kung ‘di mo alam ‘yung laro ng teammate mo. So, I opted na gamitin ko ‘yung ibang player,” Austria added.
Herndon was shipped to SMB just last Monday in exchange for two future draft picks. This, shortly after signing a one-year deal with the FiberXers.
The former sixth overall pick immediately joined his new team – already his third ball club in the league after Magnolia and Alaska, the following day.
He was even in uniform for Wednesday’s match but, again, wasn’t utilized by Austria. That delayed what could have been his debut.
“Usually, practice namin, walkthrough lang e,” the many-time Coach of the Year said.
“But he will be in the rotation once he’s familiar with our system.”
It may take some time before he can prove his worth with the storied franchise, but Austria said that Herndon will surely be an asset in the future.
He offered that the San Francisco State product could provide more size to the wing position that’s long been headed by Marcio Lassiter.
“Si Robbie, in the future kakailanganin ko ito,” said Austria. “I think fit na fit siya sa team namin dahil he can shoot from the perimeter. He can play defense.
“And at the same time, big wingman siya e, dahil ang pinaka-malaki namin sa wingman, si Lassiter lang e. We need another player like him.”
San Miguel will next face NLEX (1-0) on Friday, June 10, at the Ynares Center in a battle of teams looking to gain early leadership of the tilt.
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