Leo Austria feels new San Miguel import Jabari Narcis has more to show

San Miguel coach Leo Austria pointed to size as the reason for bringing in Jabari Narcis in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.

Unfortunately, the 6-foot-10 Narcis was obviously still trying to get the hang of playing with the Beermen in the 99-91 loss to Eastern last Dec. 22.

“Jabari is bigger than Torren Jones. And we felt that, with consultation from everybody, they believed that this import Jabari could help with his size,” Austria said. 

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Though he submitted 28 points and 10 rebounds, it is still quite hard to see how Narcis will fit in with the squad that features eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, CJay Perez, and Marcio Lassiter.

Still, Austria feels Narcis will eventually show that he is tailor-fit for San Miguel.

“But I think he's still adjusting. He could shoot from the three once in a while. He's an import that could fit with June Mar (Fajardo) kasi we needed someone to stretch the floor,” he added.

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Narcis replaced Torren Jones. But Jones will stay on as the team’s reinforcement in the East Asia Super League.

“Si Jones, yeah EASL siya. (It was a) Hard decision to make,” said Austria.

“We had an advantage eh. We need two imports because of the EASL. Somebody comes in to replace Quincy (Miller), so we had an opportunity to switch.”

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 Austria also explained why the Beermen let go of Miller, who started San Miguel's campaign in the Commissioner's Cup and EASL.

“Hindi namin nakita what we were expecting from him—the game played before. That's why heto ang solusyon,” said Austria of the once prolific import with Converge and TNT.

San Miguel will resume action on Jan. 5 against Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.