Austria excited for Standhardinger arrival, but focused on PH Cup bid for now

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San Miguel coach Leo Austria knows very well that great things are worth the wait.

And that’s why he’s not putting too much thought on the imminent arrival of Christian Standhardinger as the top overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft is still with Hong Kong Eastern Sports Club in the ASEAN Basketball League.

“I’m so excited for him, but that ends there. We can’t always think that he’s set to arrive soon,” he said in Filipino.

Austria admitted that he’s keeping tabs on Standhardinger in the ABL, watching his prized recruit from afar as he dominates his way in the regional league with averages of 27.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.75 steals.

But the three-time Coach of the Year winner reiterated that the Beermen’s focus is solely on their campaign in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup, where they gun to claim a historic fourth straight all-Filipino title.

“We’ll keep on relying on ourselves and the team. I’m sure that these players know that we have a chance (on getting that fourth straight Philippine Cup) because everyone looks at us as the barometer,” he said.

Still, Austria couldn’t help but fantasize about the day Standhardinger finally puts on that storied San Miguel jersey, saying that his entry could just push the team closer on its Grand Slam aspirations.

“Other teams say that we’re already strong, and with what they see from Standhardinger, we’ll be unbeatable. So what more when Standhardinger arrives? His presence alone gives us some excitement and confidence and his work ethic could rub off to some of our players,” he said.