Austria to raise level of physicality

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said the other day it won’t be easy retaining the PBA Philippine Cup crown but if his players are healthy and he’s able to take advantage of matchups with a higher level of physicality, there’s no reason why the league’s remaining pioneer franchise can’t repeat as the First Conference champion.

Since San Miguel made its debut as one of the PBA’s nine original teams in 1975, the storied franchise has won 21 titles, including two last season. It captured a Grand Slam in 1989 with coach Norman Black and claimed two titles in 1988, 1999, 2000 and 2014.

Austria, 57, steered San Miguel Beer to win the championships of the Philippine and Governors Cups last season. “It was about time we won,” he said. “We’ve always had a strong lineup but before we won the All-Filipino title, our last championship was with Petron in the 2010-11 Governors Cup. We were lucky that Arizona Reid was our import in the last Governors Cup because it was also about time he won a championship. AZ was Best Import twice but never played on a championship team.”

Austria said the Beermen are challenged by the notion that they’re supposed to be the team to beat this season. “There are always high expectations for our team,” he said. “Boss RSA (San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang) wants us to win a Grand Slam. That puts a lot of pressure on us. But it’s achievable. Our lineup is virtually intact. We know we’re the target of every team. If we’re healthy and our players stay hungry, we can do it. Winning a championship requires hard work, focus and direction. If our team stays strong and plays together, we can make things happen.”

In the offseason, San Miguel Beer brought in Ryan Araña from Rain Or Shine and Brian Heruela from Blackwater. Struck out were Jeric Fortuna to Barako Bull and Ronald Pascual to the Star Hotshots. With Arana and Heruela, Austria said the team raised its level of physicality. Gabby Espinas also plays physical, noted Austria, and will add to the dimension of ruggedness.

Waiting for back-to-back MVP JuneMar Fajardo to gradually move up to 100 percent capacity is on Austria’s mind. “We’ll manage JuneMar’s minutes while he’s still not 100 percent,” said Austria. “Right now, he’s about 75 to 80 percent but JuneMar is progressing very well. On our first day of practice about 1 1/2 months ago, he came in about 25 pounds overweight. Now, he’s about seven over. We’re still concerned about his plantar fasciitis in both feet. Marcio (Lassiter) has also been slowed down by a hamstring strain.”

With Fajardo playing limited minutes, Austria said he’ll rotate Yancy de Ocampo and Jay-R Reyes in the middle. “In the preseason, Jay-R gave us quality minutes,” said Austria. “Yancy will also get minutes depending on what he’ll show.”

Austria said the matchups will make a big difference. “We can play small or big,” he said. “With JuneMar at five, Gabby can play four and Arwind (Santos) three. Arwind can also play four if we play Chris (Ross) at one, Alex (Cabagnot) at two and Marcio at three. Our combinations will depend on what the other teams show. For instance, Talk ‘N’ Text likes to play Ranidel (de Ocampo) at three and Joe De Vance also plays three for Ginebra. If the other teams play big, we’ll move Arwind to three. We can also play Ryan at two or three and Brian at one or two.”

Austria said Araña’s slashing ability will be a big help. “We were lucky to get a player like Ryan whom I know well because I drafted him as a rookie when I was the Welcoat coach,” said Austria. “He can contribute off the bench and be our sparkplug. He’s a good defensive player who can lead our rally if we’re behind. He’s an experienced player so it’s not difficult for him to adjust to our plays.”

Heruela is also expected to contribute. Fajardo and Heruela were teammates with the University of Cebu varsity so their familiarity is an advantage. Chris Lutz, Bitoy Omolon, David Semerad and Ronald Tubid are returning veterans who’ve shown the ability to thrive in Austria’s system. From the recent draft, Austria brought in third round pick Michael Mabulac of Jose Rizal as a practice player.

San Miguel Beer will make its season debut against Globalport in Davao City tomorrow. The Beermen face Meralco in their first Manila outing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Austria said he wouldn’t be where he is now if not for the lessons he learned from coach Ron Jacobs. He played for Jacobs on the Philippine team that won the Asian Youth title before over 30,000 fans at the Big Dome in 1982. “Coach Ron’s gameplan was to play cat-and-mouse, Wang Libin to shoot from outside and take away China’s high percentage shots from close range,” he said. “The night before the championship game against China, coach Ron and Boss Henry (Cojuangco) told me I would start because Louie Brill was injured. I couldn’t sleep that night. I was so excited. I was ready. Coach Ron always taught us to be prepared every game, to work hard at practice so when you’re called to play in a game, you’re ready. I scored the first basket of the game and five of our first seven points. It was my first championship and I’ll never forget it.” The Philippines beat China, 74-63, and the memory of that game continues to inspire Austria to this day.