Pals Austria, Compton part ways in series

MANILA, Philippines - Seven years after going separate ways, former coaching partners Leo Austria and Alex Compton cross paths in the PBA, figuring in a coaching duel in the Philippine Cup finale.

Compton calls it a teacher versus student showdown, saying he learned the rudiments of the coaching business from Austria.

Austria was the head coach while Compton was the first assistant in Welcoat Paints’ (now Rain or Shine) first two seasons in the PBA in 2006 and 2007.

“I had no knowledge about coaching – zero – when the Welcoat management brought me in. When I was still playing, I had no plans at all of going into coaching. Coach Leo was so kind to have me under his wings,” said Compton.

Last year, Compton, a former US NCAA Division I player, gained a big break when tapped in to take over the head coaching job at Alaska in lieu of Luigi Trillo.

A conference later, Austria also got a call for a return to the major league.

Both have had great rides, leading to a duel in the all-Filipino finals.

If ever, Austria is joining an elite cast of individuals who have won a championship in the PBA as a player and as a coach. The roster includes Sonny Jaworski, Norman Black, Boyet Fernandez, Joel Banal, Ely Capacio, Rino Salazar and Ato Agustin.

Or Compton scores a breakthrough only in his second conference as PBA head coach.

Compton paints himself as the underdog, saying Austria has a big advantage with his rich experience.

Austria also has good things to say about Compton.

“When he’s still playing, hindi siya bara-bara. He’s brought that to his coaching. He’s organized and he wants his players to be disciplined in playing their game,” Austria said.