For coach Leo Austria, San Miguel’s decision to suspend four of its players indefinitely should be enough message for the rest of the fancied Beermen that no one is above the rules.
Team management penalized import Dez Wells, Kelly Nabong, Arwind Santos, and Ronald Tubid on Wednesday, due to a fight that broke out during SMB’s practice last Sunday.
“That’s what the organization stands for eh. Talagang we have to do something that could give us some reminders that nobody is above the policies of the company,” Austria said.
But on the other side, Austria believes that this could actually help the whole team moving forward. He pointed out that it could instill the team-first mentality on each and every Beerman.
“Maybe [it is] a minor setback, but moving forward I think it will help us a lot. Because it’s a strong signal to everybody and the team that they cannot do something silly,” he said.
“Everyone should think of the team bago ‘yung sarili nila. It’s a strong signal for everyone.”
The Beermen played without the four on Wednesday against the TNT. They came back from 18 down, but saw their furious rally extinguished by KJ McDaniels, eventually bowing down 109-114.
The loss stings for San Miguel, since it brings them down to fifth heading into the quarterfinals. It also puts them in a twice-to-beat disadvantage versus rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Of course, this situation isn’t new for SMB. The Beermen have long proven that they fight through difficult scenarios, like when they overcame the second-seeded NorthPort in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup quarters.
However, the Beermen will be facing a Ginebra team that has their number, especially in the playoffs.
Back when they were aiming for the Grand Slam back in 2017, the Gin Kings spoiled their plan. They beat the Beermen in that year’s Governors’ Cup quarters, eventually winning it all.
And back in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, when the Beermen were gunning for back-to-back titles, the Justin Brownlee-led Ginebra beat them anew in six games.
Austria is aware of both that, and the challenges that his Grand Slam-seeking team currently face. But for the decorated mentor, this is a test of character for them.
“This is a test of character. In these circumstances, kahit wala ka na nakikitang light after doon sa dulo ng tunnel, it’s something na could develop the character of the team.”
