San Miguel Beermen start buildup for next ABL season

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel is looking determined as ever to finally reign in the Asean Basketball League after missing the mark last season.

Starting with signing up two able and formidable reinforcements for the squad, the Beermen are definitely trying to stay away from another bridesmaid finish this 4th ABL season.

Brian Williams, last season’s import for Malaysia, will now do his tour of duty for the Beermen — the same team he nearly helped knock out of the semifinals.

“Brian (Williams) and Gabe (Freeman) bring power, poise, and explosiveness to the team,” said SMC executive Noli Eala on his Twitter account (@NoliEala).

“Both are proven winners and can play multiple roles for the Beermen,” he added.

San Miguel is also bringing the old coaching crew back, which managed to turn a newcomer into a serious contender in just one year — and only missing out on the title by a hairline.

Eala confirmed on Twitter that head coach Bobby Parks will once again lead the Beermen, but would have former Petron head coach Ato Agustin in tow as consultant.

Though San Miguel lost a gem of a big man in Junemar Fajardo, the tandem of season PBA centers Asi Taulava and Erik Menk, meanwhile, is expected to provide tough interior presence.

“What a boost! Can’t wait to finally see Major Pain and the Rock on the same team,” said Eala of the inclusion of Menk, who’s on the reserve list of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Menk and Taulava will also help bring in an even more solid following for the Beermen as the two are sure to be crowd magnets.

Renewing his contract with the Beermen is star guard Chris Banchero, while new faces like FEU standout JR Cawaling is set to give the squad a boost.

San Miguel’s gruelling buildup for the upcoming season’s opening in January starts on Sunday (Sept. 30).