Defense focused on Santos in absence of Fajardo
San Miguel is evidently struggling in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup Finals without injured superstar center Jun Mar Fajardo. With no time table for his return, coach Leo Austria said Arwind Santos will have to pick up his game as soon as possible before it’s too late.
San Miguel trails the Alaska Aces, 2-0, in the best-of-seven series and is in danger of falling into a deep hole unless Santos, the 2013 MVP, picks up the slack and fill the shoe of the injured two-time MVP.
Austria acknowledge that it’s tough for Santos do the things he normally does because Alaska’s defense that usually clamps on Fajardo is now focused on him. Fajardo injured his left knee in Game 6 of their semifinal series against Rain or Shine and his status remains day-to-day.
“It’s hard for Arwind to plays his usual game. Before Alaska used to double on Jun Mar at the post that often times leave Arwind open at the top of the key or behind the arc. But the absence of Jun Mar allowed Alaska to defend us one-on-one,” Austria explained.
Santos is averaging just 7 points after two games in the title series and has fouled out late in the fourth quarter on both occasion with the game on the line.
But while he understands Santos’s predicament, Austria said he must to find a way to score to open opportunities for his teammates.
“I’m sure he will realize that he has to work doubly hard para yung inaasahan sa kanya would hopefully force Alaska to adjust defensively,” Austria said.
Santos contends his offensive rhythm is good but the things is his shots are not falling.
“Hindi naman sa wala ako sa rhythm. Nandun naman yung mga attempts ko. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na pagtumira ka laging papasok. Ganun talaga ang buhay,” Santos said.
He said there will be times that his performance will dip, especially on offense, not because he’s out of the groove but because “I trust my teammates when they are open.”
Santos said he understands that the team is expecting a lot from his especially now that Fajardo is sideline by injury.
He noted that they have a chance to win Games 1 and 2 but the breaks just didn’t work on their side.
But he remains optimistic.
“Maliliit na detalye na lang ang kulang. Ang maganda nito nag-iimprove kami,” he said. (Dave Coros)
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