BEERMEN, HINDI NA PUWEDENG PETIKS-PETIKS SA PHIL CUP

SA kauna-unahang media day, tatlong araw bago simulan ang 44th PBA season, sinabi ni San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria na kailangang maglaro sila bilang team para mapanatili ang korona sa Philippine Cup.

“The only way to retain the crown is to play as a team and with fire and intensity because other teams are dead serious and determined to topple us,” sabi ni Austria kasama ang apat na players na sina June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter at bagong recruit na si Terrence Romeo. “I must admit it’s going to be tough out there. All eyes are on us. We have to be prepared at all times and dismantle all obstacle coming our way to stay on top,” wika ni Austria.

Inamin ni Austria na puno ng talents ang kanyang team pero hindi nanganga­hulugang puwede silang mag-relax. “ Kailangan ko pa ring pag-aralan nang husto kung paano ko gagamitin na walang professional jealousy. Kung sino ang may magandang inilalaro ay bibigyan ko ng mahabang playing time. Alam ko naintindihan nila,” anang 60 –anyos na veteran mentor na tubong Sariaya, Quezon.

Aniya, mabigat na kala­ban ang sister teams na Barangay Ginebra at newly crowned Governor’s Cup champion Magnolia Hot­shots at Alaska Aces. “These are the teams that will give us big problems. They are the biggest stumbling blocks in our title retention bid. They have championship experience and mentored by certified champion coach Tim Cone and Ercito “Chito” Victolero. Hindi puwedeng mag kumpiyansa dahil may mapaglalagyan kami sa sandaling gawin namin ‘yan. Hindi puwedeng pa easy-easy ang laro at kailangan laging isapuso ang bawat laro,” sambit ni Austria na magdiriwang ng 61st birthday sa Marso 4.

Target ni Austria ang pang-5 Philippine Cup title mula 2015 at 7th overall. Lahat ng players sa 12 competing teams ay ipinakilala na sa PBA fans at nagpaun­lak na magpakuha ng lara­wan at selfie sa fans kasama ang kanilang coach.

Magsisimula ang Philippine Cup, bukas, Linggo sa Philippine Arena sa Bocaue, Bulacan tampok ang laro ng Barangay Ginebra at Talk ‘N Text. (Clyde Mariano)