Beermen see rough road ahead

MANILA, Philippines -  The San Miguel Beermen brace for a challenging stretch in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but remain hopeful for another crack at the crown with import Charles Rhodes backing June Mar Fajardo in the mid-season import-flavored tourney.

SMB coach Leo Austria said the early goings of the second conference would be a tough challenge for his team owing to their short preparation coming from their all-Filipino title run.

Still, Austria sees his team as title contender along with the TNT KaTropa Texters, the Meralco Bolts, the Alaska Milk Aces and the Star Hotshots.

“All those four teams have good materials at No. 1 to No. 4 spots. They just lack the big guy to man the middle. But since this is a tournament with a height ceiling of 6-foot-10, they’re now able to fill in the hole,” said Austria.

The SMB bench chieftain expects their major foes to come out strong with their long preparations.

“My worry is how we perform in the first few games. For sure, all the teams will play all-out against us. Meanwhile, baka bagsak ang playing condition namin by 20 percent. We’ll have a catching up to do,” said Austria.

“We’ll no longer dominate the competition because they have someone to match up with June Mar,” Austria also said. “We’ll find the advantage on our side again if June Mar and our import develop a good bonding. We’ll have a double-post threat.”

But it will take time, and time is not on their side.

San Miguel returns to training only on Wednesday but minus core players Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter, Gabby Espinas and Ronald Tubid.

“We let them to have an extended vacation because they’re still tired from the long playoffs. Some of them are still recuperating from minor injuries,” said Austria.

At the moment, Rhodes is working out by his lonesome assisted by SMB assistant coaches Boyzie Zamar and Peter Martin.

“He’s a post player who can get the rebounds and play defense,” said Austria of Rhodes, the second all-time leader in blocks in the Korean Basketball League.

“Most of the time, he’ll play in the shaded lane but he’s got perimeter shooting. Hindi sya pwedeng pabayaan,” Austria also said.

Rhodes is in shape since he’s just finished his recent tour of duty in Korea.

“Another good thing about him. He’s got a winner’s mentality,” Austria said.