Returning head coach Leo Austria's tried and tested method has led to San Miguel's nine titles in the PBA.
Returning San Miguel head coach Leo Austria spoke about fielding in a short rotation like he used to as he accepted his old role for the Beermen in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
After all, that had worked for him and the “Death Five” of June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot when they strung together nine titles from 2014 to 2022.
Leo Austria quickly reports for duty for the San Miguel Beermen after being reappointed on the eve of their match against the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Friday, Dec. 13. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Austria reiterated the importance of the remaining members Fajardo, Ross and Lassiter to his system after steering San Miguel back to the winning column against Terrafirma, 106-88, on Friday, Dec. 13.
“These three guys, June Mar, Marcio, [Chris Ross], these are the focal points of our offense since few years back. Then I want the new players to know what really happened in our team before,” said Austria.
[RELATED STORY: Leo Austria replaces Jorge Gallent as SMB head coach, shares story behind reappointment]
With the trio as examples, Austria is working on developing a winning attitude in the new breed of Beermen that includes the likes of Don Trollano and new acquisitions Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig.
Not every player will get equal opportunity as the multi-titled coach will define his charges' roles.
“We want to build up a winning attitude ng players. It's not equal opportunity for the players. Our goal is to win. Maybe the rotation will be not that much because I would like to define the role of the player,” Austria said.
“If you're playing well, just like today, in the third quarter or fourth quarter, the second group was inside, (Andreas) Cahilig, (Don) Trollano and Juami (Tiongson). That's the time na lumamang kami. Nag-start 'yun from the core. Nandoon si Lassiter, Chris Ross saka June Mar. Alam naman ni June Mar ano ang game plan ko, eh.”
[RELATED STORY: JMF welcomes Leo Austria's return to San Miguel top post: 'Masaya kaming nakabalik si Pops']
With Austria back, expectations naturally rose exponentially for the Beermen.
The 66-year-old mentor knows this.
“May marching order o wala, the expectation is really high for San Miguel, eh. We’re always pressured to win. Even though hindi nila sinasabing you have to win, a lot of people are not used to losing when it comes to San Miguel,” said Austria.
And, after immediately steering San Miguel to familiar territory — the win column — in only his first game back, Austria looks comfortable carrying the weight of these expectations on his shoulders just as he did in the past.