With double-double effort, SMB’s six-time MVP smoothens transition from Austria to Gallent

San Miguel Beer took its first leap into a new world without experienced tactician Leo Austria at the coaching wheel and the team seemed to be okay with the new setup—at least, on Saturday night.

The Beermen started their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup campaign on a high note with a thumping of Phoenix, 114-93, but the more important thing that emerged from the Ynares Center in Antipolo City was. the comfort level of the team’s star regarding coaching changes.

Above all, one star is very important.

“The way we played the game is OK so far,” the club’s cornerstone, June Mar Fajardo, told the Inquirer after the game. “Practice has also been OK. I hope we can maintain this.

Fajardo, who really blossomed in Austria, no longer minded not having “Pops” instructions from the sidelines.

“As with ‘Pops’, he is still with the team, so we can still see him. I like him. He will relax and I think he will play more [recreational] basketball in its place, “added center soft-said, who is a six-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a nine-time champion under the tutelage of affable Austria.

key players

Besides Fajardo with 19 points and 13 rebounds, four other players were key for the Beermen. CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, rookie Allyn Bulanadi, and late player Simon Enciso all had double-digit scoring in the win.

Cameron Clark, an import who last played in the PBA for the NLEX franchise, top scored with 23 points with seven rebounds, playing well alongside Fajardo, the starting point of San Miguel’s attack.

The performance could be an offshoot of the minimal transition required to play under new coach Jorge Galent, who has called the shots in the club’s seven matches – counting two playoff games – during the previous Commissioner’s Cup.

Whatever the reason, this fine collective outing fueled speculation about Austria’s appointment to a less hands-on role.

However, there are still cracks that need to be paved.

“Not yet. Maybe in a few weeks or a few days,” Galent said during a postgame interview when asked if he had gotten there before.

Polishing is required

Now, San Miguel is focused on polishing its game in its bid to annex the second crown this season. And they have every reason to do so, especially after giving up 33 points, reducing only 10 at the time of payment.

“That’s common with teams when they’ve become big,” Fajardo said. “I’m very happy that we can increase the intensity and still win. That’s good for us.

San Miguel is back in action against Blackwater on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said he has slapped Magnolia representative Johnny Abarrientos with a P10,000 fine for putting his middle finger on Converge import Jamaal Franklin on Sunday.

“He was regretting it when we spoke [the incident] this morning. He has thanked me many times,” the league leader told the Inquirer by phone.

For his part, Franklin was not one to make mountains out of molehills. The NBA veteran said he was not surprised by the move that was recorded on national television.

“Coach and I have no problem,” he told reporters after a 26-point, 13-rebound performance that helped Konvergen win 111-109. INQ

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