Austria humbled by PBA Coach of the Year plum

San Miguel head Leo Austria is still in awe of all his achievements in his return to the PBA as a coach in the recently concluded PBA season.

Austria, who steered the Beermen to two titles in the 40th season, was adjudged the Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year by the PBA Press Corps.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala sa kinaroonan ko ngayon,” he said Wednesday night  during the PBA Press Corpa awards night at Century Park Hotel.

“Malaking karangalan ito na pwede kong ipagmalaki sa mga kaibigan, pamilya, at kababayan ko sa Sariaya, Quezon. Hindi ito mangyayari kung di ako binigyan ng pagkakataon sa PBA,” Austria said.

Aside from Austria, outgoing PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio was also named as the Danny Floro Executive of the Year for his exemplary role in helping the PBA grow in its 40th season.

Terrence Romeo was recognized as season’s Scoring champion while Paul Lee came away with the Order of Merit after bagging the most Player of the Week citations for the year.

San Miguel teammates June Mar Fajardo and Alex Cabagnot were also recognized as as the Defensive Player of the Year and William “Bogs” Adornado Comeback Player of the Year, respectively.

Rookie of the Year Stanley Pringle, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Chris Banchero, Jericho Cruz, and Jake Pascual were all named in the All-Rookie Team while Calvin Abueva has been feted as Mr. Quality Minutes.

San Miguel coach raises his trophy during the awards night at the Century Park hotel. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net