Is having a stacked roster a good problem to have?
The San Miguel Beermen are undeniably stacked. That’s why in every PBA conference, they are considered as serious title contenders. Come on, they got a six-time MVP in June Mar Fajardo leading the charge.
Being star-studded, however, doesn’t mean a team is immune to concerns. Coming into the 48th season of the PBA, the Beermen are faced with several burning questions as they go for banner number 29. One of which involves the playing time of new acquisition Jeron Teng.
San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent, however, isn't too worried.
“I’m sure he’ll get to play. He’s got to earn his minutes. If Jeron keeps playing well, then he’s going to stay on the court. It’s just (simple as) that. Minutes-wise, he’s going to get his,” the veteran tactician said on Tuesday during the PBA Media Day.
Another legit concern for SMB nation is the possible burnout factor that Fajardo, Cjay Perez, Marcio Lassiter, and Chris Ross might feel coming off an intense Asian Games campaign with Gilas Pilipinas. The Kraken and The Predator also suited up in the FIBA World Cup.
But Beermen fans across the land will be pleased with Gallent’s assessment.
“No (concerns) naman kasi they rested for 10 days. When they came back on Monday (from their vacations), they were kind of fresh,” the San Miguel headmaster divulged.
If anything, Fajardo and company feel rejuvenated by their golden Asiad stint. In fact, Gallent said Perez already started his return to regular programming a few days back.
“Cjay practiced five days ago. He’s young. I guess he got bored in the house so he just practiced,” said Gallent. “Cjay’s fresh. June Mar is the same, he got his 10-day rest and he’s fresh, and the rest also, Marcio and C. Ross, same-same.”
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Should they need a little time to get their feel back for PBA action, there are others who can definitely fill in for them. Vic Manuel can step up on behalf of Fajardo, and as for the guards, the Beermen got Teng, Terrence Romeo, Jericho Cruz, and Simon Enciso ready to perform.
Plus, San Miguel has an extended period to prepare before starting its PBA Commissioner's Cup stint on November 15 against the NLEX Road Warriors.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)
(PM)