Returning San Miguel coach Leo Austria in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Just hours before San Miguel Beer’s clash with Terrafirma in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, the Beermen made a huge change that proved to immediately beneficial.
After succumbing to two straight losses, the Beermen tapped former coach Leo Austria to call the shots for SMB, replacing Jorge Gallent, who moved to a team consultant role.
READ: Leo Austria returns as coach, Beermen immediately rediscover form
One of the players who flourished in Austria’s first coaching game back was none other than reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo who pushed the Beermen to a 106-88 victory to snap the squad’s two-game losing streak.
Seeing Fajardo dominate with Austria on the sidelines wasn’t a new scene by any means, especially since their tandem won nine collective PBA championships spanning from 2014 to 2022.
“We’re happy that Paps (Leo Austria) returned because it’s been a while but he’s always with the team,” said Fajardo in Filipino.
San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
“He was never really gone. He’s always there with the team but we’re happy that he’s back in his role and we got the win today. We’re hoping it continues.”
In Austria’s first game back as SMB’s head coach, Fajardo showed why he was one of the anchors of the veteran tactician’s magical run in the past by posting a double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds plus seven assists for good measure.
READ: PBA: San Miguel routs Terrafirma in Leo Austria’s return
While there were smiles all around for Austria’s return, he admitted that there’s some added expectations for his return as SMB’s main mentor.
As one of the winningest teams in the PBA, Austria wants to maintain that stature and rack up wins, much like he did a few years back.
“Whether there’s a marching order or not, the expectation is really high with San Miguel, that’s why we’re always pressured to win,” said the returning coach.
“Even when they don’t tell us that we have to win, a lot of people aren’t used to seeing San Miguel lose,” added Austria.
Those expectations will increase even more as the days come. For now, Austria is just happy to see his resident center Fajardo dominate once more, all while pushing SMB to a 2-2 card.
“I’m so happy tonight because we were able to get 24 assists, unlike the other games where we only had 12. Plus, we had more offensive rebounds and second chance points, which showed that players really wanted to win especially after our setbacks,” the coach said.