Austria inspired by Dante

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria was reunited with his former Shell coach Dante Silverio at the PBA’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Solaire North last Friday and found inspiration to bring the Beermen back in title contention after its 22-conference playoff streak was snapped in the recently-concluded Commissioner’s Cup.

Austria played for Shell when Silverio coached the franchise in 1987-89. Together, they’ve collected 14 PBA championships as coaches. Austria, 67, took San Miguel to nine titles from 2014 to 2022 and is a four-time Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year. Silverio, 87, piloted Toyota to five crowns from 1975 to 1978.

At the Gala Dinner, Austria walked up to Silverio and was all smiles as he embraced his mentor. Silverio was part of the Selection Committee that chose 10 players to complete the 50 Greatest lineup.

San Miguel hadn’t missed the playoffs in 10 years until disaster struck in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup. Austria, however, is confident the Beermen will bounce back in the ongoing Philippine Cup where they’ve raced to a 2-0 record. San Miguel’s 110-98 win over Meralco last Wednesday was significant for Austria as it was held to celebrate the PBA’s 50th anniversary at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum with both teams wearing retro jerseys. Austria said Rizal was where his amateur team Masagana 99 won six National Seniors Championships.

Austria said since returning to the San Miguel saddle three games into the last Commissioner’s Cup, he’s been installing a new system. “Everyone is working hard,” he said. “Si JM (Calma), malaki ang potential at makakatulong sa four spot. Actually, kailangan namin at least six bigs sa 15-man lineup para competitive sa practice. Mas malalim ang rotation ngayon at yung mga players na working hard nabibigyan ng minutes kagaya ni Jeron (Teng).”

Austria said June Mar Fajardo remains San Miguel’s primary option. “Pag nag-double kay June Mar, ipapasa sa open teammates kaya against Meralco, apat ang assists niya,” said Austria. A concern is San Miguel’s explosive individual talent because with creators on the floor, isolations are hard to resist. But Austria is optimistic with Fajardo’s no hesitation to pass, teamwork is infectious.