Breakthru win sweeter for Beermen

JAKARTA – The balloons and confettis finally fell from the rafters of Mahaka Square’s Britama Arena to herald  the ascension of San Miguel Beermen to the Asean Basketball League (ABL) throne and none could be more ecstatic than heartbreak kids Chris Banchero and Leo Avenido.

Banchero and Avenido had imagined the exact scene back in the 2012 Finals but for one reason or another, the Beermen broke down in the closeout game here and the eventual rubber match at home, and yielded the crown to the Indonesia Warriors.

“Finally, we won it. Last year’s loss was painful,” said Avenido, who felt his MVP season in 2012 was incomplete because SMB didn’t capture the crown.

“We were devastated last year when we lost so I told Leo ‘let’s get this one, brother, not just for ourselves but for our families.’ I almost came to tears when we won,” said Banchero.

The two SMB originals joined forces with veteran Asi Taulava, imports Brian Williams and Justin Williams, and a crew of unsung heroes to finish off the Warriors in the best-of-five title duel, 70-55, and bring the ABL plum back on Phl hands.

“The difference this year was really defense. Coach Leo (Austria) did an incredible job and we also have something to play for – playing for (the late) coach Bobby Parks the entire year, dedicating this whole season for him and his family, that’s a big thing,” said Banchero, who also bagged the Finals MVP honors.

That they achieved the feat on a June 12 made it all the more special.

“Bringing the trophy back, especially on Phl Independence Day, was also huge for me and all Filipinos,” he added.

Taulava, the season MVP who paced the Beermen with 19 points and six boards in the clincher, was as jubilant as his young teammates.

“It’s unbelievable, especially right now at the age of 40. You know, some were saying I’m in the twilight of my career. It just gave me motivation to come to practice everyday and compete with younger guys and I even surprised myself that I’m able to hold my ground,” said the Fil-Tongan.

“The satisfaction in winning the ABL is quite different since this is considered an international tournament and all the teams are spending to get the best imports available. This is the first championship for San Miguel, and we’re happy that we met everyone’s expectations and proved that Filipinos are still better than the rest in Asean,” said Austria.

With their splendid showing in the ABL wars, key components of the winning team are reportedly being eyed for stints in the PBA. Talks abound that moves are being made to clear the way for Taulava’s transfer to Ginebra while Austria is supposedly being considered for a coaching post in one of the SMC teams.

“Coach Leo is a PBA material,” said SMC basketball operations head and PBA chair Robert Non.