San Miguel does not want to think of anybody else but Devon Scott as it tries to steady the ship with him in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Head coach Leo Austria is satisfied with the progress made by the American, especially after he tallied 26 points and 10 rebounds with seven assists to lead the Beermen to a 124-116 victory over NLEX on Sunday evening.
“As of now, we really want him to stay,” said the four-time Coach of the Year shortly after the win at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Austria did admit that the ball club remains open to the possibility of welcoming Thomas Robinson back into the fold after the original plans fell through due to a back injury, but the champion mentor has his reservations.
“We have to remember that his injury is a disc bulge, so we don’t know yet how long it will heal. And if it heals, how long will he get in shape? Mahirap ‘yun, especially since he did not play a single game here,” he said.
“He was able to practice with us for only four days. There’s a lot of adjustment. It’s a big gamble,” he continued.
And that is why Austria wants to see Scott play well, with the Road Warriors game, if anything, an indication that he’s on the right path.
The Ohio native shot 50-percent from the floor and went 6-for-6 from the foul in 44 minutes of play, a performance far better than his debut two nights ago that saw him shoot 7-of-18 in a stunning 106-102 loss to Converge.
“Slowly, he’s getting better and better,” said Austria. “That’s what we want from him. We’re not thinking of any other players right now. We don’t know kung magkakaroon ng injury. Sana wala.
“But right now, we’re happy with him.
“That’s why we want this guy Devon to play well. Sana fit na fit, especially if June Mar will come. We’re praying for our team to get into the playoffs so, by that time, June Mar will be with us na,” he closed.
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