PBA: Leo Austria praises OJ, mum on San Miguel’s looming import change

San Miguel import Orlando Johnson. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel head coach Leo Austria remained mum on the impending switch of imports amid the ongoing the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Reports said that former NBA player Shabazz Muhammad is set to replace Orlando Johnson as the team’s import but Austria chose to talk about how Johnson maintained a cool head in his stay with the club.

Johnson led the Beermen to a 104-99 victory over Phoenix even with the knowledge of Muhammad’s arrival in the Philippines.

“One thing I like from the start, since he arrived, I’m confident with him and he’s very professional,” said Austria Wednesday at Ynares Center in Antipolo. “I think he’s very focused in this game since the start and that’s what we like from him because he’s very professional.”

Johnson finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks as the Beermen improved to a 5-3 record and their second straight win.

Austria admired how Johnson kept to the game and that whatever decisions on the roster is up to the management.

“Just give us some time because anything that happens to our roster is a team decision,” said Austria. “As I said, we’re not talking about the replacement or changing of imports. Our focus is on this game.”

Johnson is already a two-conference veteran in the PBA having played in the 2015 Governors’ Cup with Barangay Ginebra while Muhammad played five years with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA before bouncing back-and-forth between the G League and the CBA.