TALKS of another shot at a grand slam inevitably emerged after powerhouse San Miguel Beer bagged the Philippine Cup crown against TNT earlier this week.
But Beermen coach Leo Austria said his charges have their work cut out for them in the next two import-spiced conferences, adding the quality of imports always plays a big factor in a team’s bid, especially for the coveted triple crown.
“It’s really hard to win a Grand Slam. It will depend on the import,” Austria said. “We’re thinking of a game-to-game basis. We’re focusing on our next game.”
Despite having a towering and talented frontline bannered by prized center June Mar Fajardo that also includes Mo Tautuaa, Vic Manuel, and Rodney Brondial, SMB doesn’t have the inside track, according to Austria.
All teams are allowed to tap imports with a height limit of 6-foot-10 in the Commissioner’s Cup kicking off on Sept. 21.
“In the all-Filipino, we had an advantage with June Mar. With an import, nawawala, nadadagdagan iyong kalaban namin ng isang magaling na player,” Austria said. “Sa amin naman, may nadadagdag na magaling na player, pero nai-ease out iyong isang magaling na player. Kung nag-ge-gain sila ng 100 percent, sa amin 50 percent.”
NBA veteran Thomas Robinson, tabbed fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2012, is set to reinforce SMB in its drive to annex a second straight title in the mid-season tourney last won by the Beermen in 2019. The tourney was shelved for the last two years due to the lethal COVID-19 pandemic.
Austria is hoping the 6-foot-10 Robinson would turn out to be what the doctor ordered for his squad.
“Always, import-laden conference, medyo nag-i-i-struggle kami kasi minsan, suwerte-suwerte rin sa pagkuha ng import. If we will be having a good import, we will be a contender next conference,” Austria said.
“We can never know what will happen and what kind of import na maglalaro sa amin. With credentials, maganda iyong credentials, but it is still something to be seen. In two weeks siguro, darating na iyong import namin.”
With SMB finally ending a three-year dry spell, Austria is convinced they have what it takes.
“I’m so happy with the players because they learned a lot, how to win a championship,” he said. “I hope na iyong nangyari sa kanila dito, ma-realize nila na this is the way. I hope na ma-continue namin ito until next conference or third conference.”
