Former head coach and current San Miguel consultant Leo Austria celebrates his team’s latest PBA title. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer’s latest PBA title conquest allowed Leo Austria and his former players at Adamson to savor another winning moment that they failed to experience in the UAAP.
This time, Austria, Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial got another one of their ex-Falcons comrades join the celebration after Don Trollano was acquired by the Beermen midway into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.
“That’s the fulfillment that I’m feeling right now,” the San Miguel consultant said in Filipino. “Before we started at Adamson, I told them that I will prepare them for the PBA. What more if they win the championship with me?
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The four had a group photo amid the celebrations following San Miguel’s 104-102 win over Magnolia, before Cruz, Trollano and Brondial embraced Austria in a show of appreciation to their former college coach.
Cruz and Brondial already won a PBA championship with Austria during the 2022 Philippine Cup when the latter was still calling the shots for the Beermen.
Trollano’s arrival in December from NLEX via a three-team trade that also involved NorthPort allowed for an extension of the reunion over at the San Miguel camp.
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In fact, Trollano and Brondial are often seen together during pre-game preparations, with Brondial known for cracking jokes at the unassuming Trollano.
“I know that what they’re feeling is really truly special,” Austria said. “They think of me as like a second father to them and I’m so happy for them.”
The run also came with Austria returning on the Beermen bench, this time in a limited role as someone to counsel current coach Jorge Gallent.
Austria was not seen in last season’s Governors’ Cup following the coaching change after taking a sabbatical.