CJ Austria shows readiness to step up for La Salle in UAAP Season 85

La Salle’s CJ Austria shoots against Marinerong Pilipino in Game 3 of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—After losing the services of shooter Kurt Lojera, La Salle will have a new sniper in CJ Austria, who is brimming with confidence, for UAAP Season 85.

When asked about the emergence of Austria, Green Archers head coach Derick Pumaren belted out a laugh after seeing the 6-foot-3 swingman thrive in the endgame.

“CJ got boastful,” Pumaren said in jest on Monday after La Salle captured the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup championship. “But of course today, I’m glad he finally sank his shots.”

Austria attempted 10 shots in Game 3 against Marinerong Pilipino, but two of those came in the fourth quarter when the Green Archers needed it most.

With the Skippers creeping behind, 82-72, Austria drove down the lane and hit a bucket plus the foul.

The former University of the East standout also provided the game-clinching layup off a fastbreak to hold off Marinerong Pilipino, 89-76. He finished with eight points.

Austria averaged just 7.1 points in eight games in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup but he upped the ante in the PBA D-League Finals, where he averaged 11.3 points in the three-game series.

Heading forward, Austria is expected to provide significant contribution on offense for the Green Archers alongside holdovers Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy and Mike Phillips. 

Pumaren has seen his improvement and is keen on making him an integral part of La Salle’s championship bid for Season 85.

“He has matured and he is playing with confidence now. At the start, he was feeling the system but now he’s at home with La Salle. He has stepped up this game and really shown to be a big improvement for this team.”