Jong seeks 4th title in 4 trips

Three titles in the last four conferences. Three titles in three trips to the finals. That’s San Miguel Beer coach Jong Uichico's batting average.

During his mentorship, the Beermen exceeded Crispa's long-standing record of 13 franchise wins by winning the Commissioner's Cup in the second conference. And in the current Governors Cup, where his Beermen are the defending champion, Uichico will be targetting his fourth title in five conferences. Four-of-four. And this means extending their lead over Crispa at the close of the season.

"Hindi ko na iniisip ‘yon," Uichico said of his record. "Ang goal namin is to win as many championships as we can."

The Beermen face Purefoods in Game One of the best-of-seven title series today at the Araneta Coliseum. The game will be open free to kids 10 and below.

Already, Uichico has opened up the title series with a little psychological warfare – using San Miguel’s favorite ploy.

"I think we are the underdogs," he said, "Purefoods beat us in the eliminations."

Uichico may have reason to be wary. Purefoods poses a big problem literally with its ceilling. Andy Seigle and EJ Feihl both provide the Hotdogs with a towering presence in the shaded area, taking away some sting out of the post-up game of San Miguel. And four-time Most Valuable Player Alvin Patrimonio is playing like the Alvin Patrimonio of old.

"EJ and Alvin are playing really well. If they keep up their games, I think we will have a problem defending them," said Uichico. Last time around, Patrimonio got away with murder at the post because San Miguel refused to double the aging forward, thinking perhaps the Beermen could overpower him at the post with its bevy of younger and strong defenders.

This time, San Miguel has a renewed sense of respect for the Purefoods skipper.

But doubling down low will be tough for the Beermen. Against Red Bull, San Miguel showed just exactly how it can be beaten handily. Make those jump shots.

"Ganun naman talaga kami. We double at the post always. So if you make your perimeter shots, then we will find it tough to defend against you," Uichico explained, putting in a nutshell the team’s defensive philosophy.

So the burden on giving the former national team standout a tough time plotting strategies falls on the likes of gunner Noy Castillo, Dindo Pumaren and Boyet Fernandez.

"It’s going to be tough. Pero sabi ko nga, di baleng mahirap, basta lumalaban kami sa championship. Di baleng umabot ng Christmas ang series, basta kasama kami sa naglalaro," Uichico said.