BEERMEN MULLING ON TAPPING ASIAN IMPORT
Even after San Miguel won its first game in three tries in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup, coach Leo Austria admitted that the team is still not out of the woods.
And with this situation, the Beermen are now reconsidering their stand on tapping an Asian reinforcement for the season-ending conference.
“We suffered a lot of setbacks dahil sa injuries. An Asian import is inevitable just in case may mangyari sa amin kasi kulang kami,” hinted Austria.
Subpar performances from the whole bunch has led the management to seek some help, and the closest they could consider is tapping another reinforcement alongside Arizona Reid.
“It might help. Still, we need a player na talagang talented, just like yung Asian import ng other teams like GlobalPort and Talk ‘N Text. Lumalalim yung bench nila and going to the playoffs, kailangan mo yung ganun,” he said.
Austria continued, “Kung may makukuha kami na right for the team, why not? I asked permission already from the management and got their approval and maybe, it’s just a matter of time siguro.”
The affable coach, though, said that the decision is still not final, and everything will depend on the team’s performance in its next games.
“If this team is playing well, there’s no need because I want to give them exposure. Yung ginagawa ng Asian imports, I believe kaya din ng locals eh, so it’s a matter of mindset,” he said.
San Miguel has only 12 players on its roster in a conference where teams can sign up 16 players at most, including the two reinforcements.
Austria knows the advantages of having more bodies on his bench.
“In terms of energy, depleted talaga kami. But that’s our option and we’re considering that.” (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.