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  • Leo Austria returns after heart procedure, guides San Miguel to victory

    Leo Austria returns after heart procedure, guides San Miguel to victory

    The San Miguel Beermen continued their impressive campaign in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, overpowering the Converge FiberXers, 126-114, on Wednesday, August 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Leading the charge was import George King, who delivered a dominant all-around performance to help the Beermen secure their fifth victory of the conference. King erupted for a game-high 46 points while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out six assists, bouncing back in emphatic fashion after a disappointing outing in San Miguel’s previous loss to the TNT Tropang 5G.

     

    King dictated the tempo from the opening quarter, attacking the basket relentlessly while knocking down timely perimeter shots. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end and in transition, allowing the Beermen to maintain control despite several comeback attempts by the FiberXers.

     

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    His stellar performance was complemented by San Miguel’s balanced offensive execution, as the Beermen capitalized on efficient ball movement and timely contributions from their local core to keep Converge at bay throughout the contest.

     

    The victory was made even more meaningful by the return of veteran head coach Leo Austria, who was back on the sidelines after missing the team’s previous six games while recovering from a heart procedure.

    Austria recently underwent an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow by opening blocked coronary arteries. Although he was away from game-day coaching duties, the 68-year-old mentor remained actively involved in the team’s preparations by attending practices and providing guidance behind the scenes.

     

    Speaking after the game, Austria expressed gratitude for being given another opportunity to coach.

     

    “Thanks God I was able to have another opportunity to coach the team. I would like to thank the people who helped me, for saving my life,” Austria said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The veteran tactician admitted that returning to the bench was an emotional experience, particularly during the opening minutes of the game.

     

    “At the start, I was really nervous because I’m trying to feel the rhythm of the game. And I’m so happy because even though I’m not coaching in the past six games, I’m always in the practice, trying my best to be with the team, to inspire them. They wanted me to coach, I’m here. I’m thankful dahil baka I think baka 99 percent na okay ako,” he added.

     

    Austria’s return provided an emotional boost for the Beermen, who have maintained their strong form despite his temporary absence. The players responded with a disciplined performance on both ends of the floor, giving their longtime coach a memorable victory in his first game back.

    With the win, San Miguel improved to a 5-2 record, strengthening its hold on second place in the Group A standings and further establishing itself as one of the top contenders in the Governors’ Cup.

     

    The Beermen will now look to build on their momentum when they face the Macau Giant Pandas on Saturday, August 8, at the Ynares Center in Montalban. With King rediscovering his dominant form and Austria back calling the shots from the bench, San Miguel hopes to continue its winning run as the race for playoff positioning intensifies.

     

     

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  • San Miguel coach Leo Austria reveals angioplasty after health scare, eyes PBA return

    San Miguel coach Leo Austria reveals angioplasty after health scare, eyes PBA return

    Despite navigating the early stages of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup without longtime head coach Leo Austria on the sidelines, the San Miguel Beermen have managed to establish themselves as one of the tournament’s early contenders.

     

    The Beermen have opened their campaign with a 3-1 record, placing second in Group A after four games. Their impressive start, however, has come amid the absence of Austria, who has been recovering from a recent heart procedure that temporarily forced him away from coaching duties.

     

    Austria made his first public appearance since undergoing treatment during San Miguel’s 110-96 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 26. Although he was not on the bench, the 68-year-old coach watched the game from the stands before speaking to members of the media about the health scare that sidelined him for the opening stretch of the conference.

     

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    The decorated mentor revealed that the issue was discovered during a routine medical examination required for the renewal of his Games and Amusements Board (GAB) coaching license.

     

    “We had a medical check-up to comply with the renewal of our GAB licenses. The results showed that there was something wrong with my ECG. A week later, we got the results, and I immediately showed them to my cardiologists, Dr. Tony Leachon and Dr. Rommel Galvez,” Austria said.

     

    His doctors subsequently recommended additional tests, including a stress test, after detecting irregularities in his initial results.

    “He told me I had to undergo a stress test to determine the condition of my heart. After the scan, they found something abnormal. To confirm everything, I had to undergo an angiogram, and that’s when they confirmed that my arteries were blocked,” Austria explained.

     

    Following the diagnosis, Austria underwent an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow by opening blocked coronary arteries. He was discharged from the hospital on July 9 and has since been focusing on his recovery while closely monitoring his condition.

     

    Austria admitted that he initially hoped to return to the sidelines in time for San Miguel’s season opener. However, team governor Robert Non—who previously underwent the same procedure—urged him to prioritize his health before making his comeback.

     

    “For the first game, I thought I was already going to coach. Fortunately, Boss Robert was there and told me, ‘No, no, you have to take a rest,’ because he had gone through the same angioplasty. It’s not an easy procedure. I’m very thankful to him and coach Al Chua for giving me time to recover. I’m so grateful to them,” Austria said.

     

    While Austria has remained away from the bench, the Beermen have continued to perform at a high level under the guidance of the coaching staff, collecting three victories in their first four assignments before suffering their first defeat against the Road Warriors. The team’s strong start has allowed San Miguel to remain firmly in the hunt near the top of the Group A standings despite the absence of one of the league’s most accomplished coaches.

     

    Austria, who has guided the Beermen to 11 PBA championships during his illustrious coaching career, expressed confidence that his return is only a matter of time. Although he declined to provide a definitive timetable, he believes he will be back on the sidelines once he fully adjusts to the medication prescribed following the procedure and regains full strength.

     

    “It’s only a matter of a few more games before I return to coaching. Bypass surgery is much more difficult. That’s why I’m confident I can come back. It’s just a matter of time. I just need to make sure I return at 100 percent,” Austria said.

     

    For San Miguel, Austria’s recovery remains the top priority. With the Beermen continuing to deliver positive results in his absence, the organization has afforded its veteran tactician the time and support needed to make a complete recovery before resuming his coaching responsibilities. Should the team’s early form continue, Austria could soon return to a squad well-positioned to challenge for yet another Governors’ Cup title.

     

     

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  • Leo Austria remains San Miguel head coach despite health-related absence from Beermen games 

    Leo Austria remains San Miguel head coach despite health-related absence from Beermen games 

    While San Miguel Beermen continue to dominate on the floor, veteran head coach Leo Austria remains sidelined because of a personal health issue.

     

    Management clarified that Austria has not been replaced as head coach, following speculation on social media suggesting that changes had been made within the coaching staff. 


    Instead, officials said the multi-awarded tactician was advised to rest and focus on his recovery, especially with the Beermen still in the early stages of their campaign.

     

    The team has yet to disclose details regarding Austria’s condition, but his involvement with the squad has continued behind the scenes. 

     

    The 68-year-old coach has been attending San Miguel practices, occasionally helping design new plays, and joining the team during film review sessions. His only restriction at the moment is returning to the bench during actual games.

     

    With Austria unavailable on game days, assistant coach Peter Martin has stepped in to handle coaching duties.

     

    Martin first guided the Beermen during their opening match of the conference, when San Miguel defeated Macau, 123-109. The veteran assistant explained that Austria missed that game because he was “feeling bloated” while gesturing toward his stomach.

     

    The situation continued into San Miguel’s next assignments, with Martin again leading the team during its 109-104 victory over Terrafirma at the Ynares Center as Austria dealt with his illness.

     

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    Even without their head coach on the sidelines, the Beermen have remained sharp. In their latest outing, San Miguel overcame Converge, 128-122, to complete a three-game winning streak and preserve their perfect record.

     

    The strong start has kept San Miguel tied with NLEX Road Warriors at the top of Group A standings, with both teams undefeated in the Governor’s Cup. 

     

    The Beermen’s ability to maintain their momentum without Austria also highlights the stability of the system he has established over years of championship success.

     

    The next challenge will come on July 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where San Miguel faces NLEX in a battle for early control of Group A. 

     

    As the Beermen continue their pursuit of another title, the team hopes Austria’s recovery progresses while they continue carrying out the blueprint he helped build.

     

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  • Leo Austria confirms Bennie Boatwright is still adjusting to the humid conditions in Manila

    Leo Austria confirms Bennie Boatwright is still adjusting to the humid conditions in Manila

    The San Miguel Beermen are still searching for consistency in the ongoing 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, with the perennial contenders finding themselves in an uncharacteristic seventh place at the midway point of the eliminations. The Beermen carry a 5–5 win-loss record, a standing that falls short of their traditionally high championship expectations.

     

    Despite the uneven start, San Miguel appears to be trending upward at a crucial stage of the conference. That momentum was on full display on Wednesday, April 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where the Beermen delivered a convincing 103–92 victory over the Meralco Bolts. The win showcased a balanced offensive effort, with multiple players stepping up in key moments to secure a much-needed result.

     

    The Beermen’s production was spread across the roster, led by veteran anchor June Mar Fajardo, alongside import Bennie Boatwright, guard CJ Perez, forward Chris Trollano, and big man Mo Tautuaa—all finishing in double figures as San Miguel controlled the game from the middle quarters onward.

     

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    A key development in the Beermen’s recent resurgence has been the arrival of Boatwright, who replaced Justin Patton as the team’s import. His presence has helped stabilize the offense and provide additional spacing, though his latest outing highlighted both his impact and ongoing adjustment period in the league.

     

    Against Meralco, Boatwright struggled with efficiency, shooting just 5-of-20 from the field and missing all seven attempts from beyond the arc. However, he still managed to contribute 16 points and 11 rebounds, underscoring his ability to affect the game even when his shot is not falling. His performance reflected a mix of rust and adaptation as he continues to find rhythm within San Miguel’s system.

    Head coach Leo Austria addressed the import’s uneven start postgame, pointing to the challenging conditions and adjustment period as key factors in Boatwright’s sluggish opening stretch.

     

    “I noticed from him, very sluggish siya eh, especially during practice. Maybe he is still adjusting to our weather. Bennie, after this game, I think he will realize na he needs to perform well especially in the next two games namin, which is a must-win for us to get into the next round,” Austria said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Austria’s remarks raised some eyebrows among observers, particularly given Boatwright’s previous stint with the franchise during the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Beermen to a championship title. His familiarity with the team and league had led many to expect a quicker transition back into peak form.

     

    For his part, Boatwright acknowledged that his rhythm is still a work in progress, especially as he adjusts to heavy playing minutes in a demanding conference schedule. He has been logging approximately 40 minutes per game, a workload that has tested his conditioning and timing early in the tournament.

     

    “Just part of the game. Just getting back used to playing all these minutes and just getting adjusted. Simply just get back in the gym, and I will be ready for the next game,” Boatwright said after the win.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup standings tighten, the Beermen now face a critical stretch that could define their campaign. With limited room for error, San Miguel will look to build on their recent win as they prepare for a must-win clash against the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, May 6, still at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    With playoff positioning on the line, the Beermen’s mix of veteran leadership, returning chemistry, and import adjustment will be tested further as they attempt to steer their season back toward championship contention.

     

     

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  • Leo Austria deflects praise after San Miguel’s Philippine Cup title win

    Leo Austria deflects praise after San Miguel’s Philippine Cup title win

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen wrestled control of the game on Sunday night, the result felt less like a looming possibility and more like an approaching certainty. What began as a tightly contested battle gradually turned into a familiar sight for PBA fans: San Miguel asserting its will, dictating the pace, and closing the door with championship poise. By the time the final buzzer echoed inside a packed Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again perched atop the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming their place as one of the league’s most enduring and decorated dynasties.

     

    Powered by another commanding performance from June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. The victory sealed a 4-2 series triumph and delivered yet another championship banner to a franchise that continues to define sustained excellence in Philippine basketball.

     

    As he has done countless times on the biggest stage, Fajardo set the tone with his dominance in the paint. The eight-time Most Valuable Player authored a masterclass, finishing with 29 points and a massive 23 rebounds, overwhelming TNT’s frontline on both ends of the floor. His presence dictated the tempo, stabilized San Miguel during critical stretches, and ultimately broke the resistance of a Tropang Giga squad that struggled to find answers once the Beermen surged ahead in the second half.

     

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    San Miguel’s methodical pull-away reflected not just talent, but championship maturity. After a competitive opening half, the Beermen tightened their defense, controlled the boards, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities—areas where Fajardo’s impact was unmistakable. TNT fought valiantly, but the Beermen’s execution and composure proved decisive down the stretch.

     

    The Philippine Cup crown marked San Miguel’s 31st championship in its illustrious PBA history, further cementing the franchise’s status as the league’s gold standard. It was also a milestone night for head coach Leo Austria, who climbed to third place in the all-time winningest coaches list in PBA history.

    The title was Austria’s 11th championship as a head coach, moving him level with TNT Tropang Giga’s Chot Reyes and Norman Black. Only two names now stand ahead of him: the late coaching legend Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan, who ranks second with 15 titles, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Tim Cone, who sits alone at the top with a remarkable 25 PBA championships.

     

    Despite his growing list of accolades, Austria remained characteristically humble, deflecting praise and emphasizing the collective effort behind San Miguel’s continued success.

     

    “The real stars here are the San Miguel Beermen players. Because of them, I looked good again as a coach,” Austria said.

     

    The triumph also marked San Miguel’s eighth Philippine Cup title since 2015, a stretch that underscores the team’s remarkable consistency in the league’s most prestigious, All-Filipino conference. Team governor Robert Non was quick to echo Austria’s sentiments while also stressing that the coach’s accomplishments deserve greater recognition.

     

    “Coach Leo is the one I consider as one of the top PBA coaches. I don’t know why he is not cited but with these 11 championships, he now ties coach Chot. It’s a milestone win in a milestone season for the PBA. That’s back-to-back All-Filipino titles and hopefully, we get to win back-to-back in Season 50,” Non added.

     

    As the PBA celebrates its golden season, San Miguel once again stands as a symbol of longevity, discipline, and championship culture. With Fajardo still anchoring the middle and Austria continuing to steer the ship, the Beermen have shown that even after decades of dominance, their hunger for titles remains very much intact.

     

     

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  • “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    From the opening tip, San Miguel Beer signaled that they were in full control on Sunday night, turning what could have been a tense Finals series into a showcase of dominance. By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen had once again cemented their status atop the PBA, defeating TNT, 92–77, to close out the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals in six games.

     

    At the heart of this triumph was June Mar Fajardo, the nine-time PBA MVP who has become synonymous with championship pedigree. Fajardo produced a performance for the ages, pouring in 29 points while pulling down 23 rebounds, demonstrating the kind of impact that only a generational talent can consistently deliver. His commanding presence on both ends of the floor lifted the Beermen when it mattered most, and it earned him the league’s first-ever Finals MVP trophy, named in honor of PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez, who watched the milestone moment from courtside.

     

    San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, true to form, deflected praise from himself, instead attributing the team’s success to his players. But Fajardo was quick to highlight the coach’s influence, insisting that Austria doesn’t get nearly enough credit for shaping the Beermen’s winning culture.

     

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    “He is one of the great coaches of the PBA. He hasn’t been given too much credit, but he is such a humble person and he is the reason why we have won many championships,” Fajardo said during the postmatch press conference.

    “He lets us play our game, and I guess that’s why the players were able to show what they can bring on the court. He is so composed, and it starts with practice because he really instills a lot of discipline,” he added.

     

    The path to this title almost seemed preordained. San Miguel dominated the elimination round with a 9-2 record, showcasing the depth and experience that would carry them deep into the playoffs. The Beermen dismantled NLEX in the quarterfinals and survived a tough semifinal battle against Barangay Ginebra, riding a 10-game winning streak that stretched from the eliminations into the playoffs. Even after a surprising loss in Game 1 of the Finals, the team never wavered, leaning on their veteran leadership, strategic depth, and Fajardo’s unparalleled ability to rise in high-stakes moments.

     

    This victory marks San Miguel’s second consecutive Philippine Cup crown, their eighth in the last 11 seasons, and the 31st championship in franchise history. Beyond the numbers, it’s a reaffirmation of an era—the Beermen are not just winning titles; they are defining a dynasty in Philippine basketball.

     

    With Fajardo anchoring the lineup, Austria guiding from the bench, and a roster stacked with both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, San Miguel Beer continues to set the standard in the PBA. As the confetti settled and the Finals MVP trophy was hoisted, one thing became clear: this is a team that doesn’t merely chase championships—they reinvent excellence every season.

     

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  • Leo Austria admits San Miguel’s bench struggles contributed to its Game 1 loss to TNT

    Leo Austria admits San Miguel’s bench struggles contributed to its Game 1 loss to TNT

    For three quarters, TNT Tropang Giga appeared to be firmly in control, dictating the pace and building what looked like a commanding cushion in the opening game of the Philippine Cup Finals. But as championship basketball often reminds, early dominance alone is rarely enough. When the pressure mounted and the margin for error shrank, it was TNT’s composure, discipline, and timely execution that ultimately sealed the result.

     

    The Tropang Giga survived a furious late rally by the San Miguel Beermen to escape with a 96–91 victory in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The win handed TNT a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series and immediately underscored the tone of what promises to be a grueling, tightly contested championship duel.

     

    TNT leaned on a collective offensive effort throughout the night, placing six players in double figures and consistently punishing San Miguel whenever defensive breakdowns occurred. While the scoring was spread evenly, it was veteran forward Kelly Williams who quietly anchored TNT’s performance on both ends of the floor. The former PBA Most Valuable Player finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, numbers that only partially reflected his influence.

     

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    Williams’ most pivotal contributions came in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, when San Miguel was threatening to complete a dramatic comeback. With the Beermen gaining momentum, Williams calmly orchestrated the offense from the high post, delivering back-to-back drop passes to Aaron Ganuelas-Rosser for two crucial interior baskets. Those plays stretched TNT’s lead to 90–83, momentarily halting San Miguel’s surge and giving the Tropang Giga just enough breathing room to steady themselves down the stretch.

     

    After the game, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria pointed to the early stages of the contest as the decisive factor, particularly the inability of his second unit to match TNT’s energy and production.

     

    “I think it’s very clear, you know, the first quarter or the first half you know is the culprit. Because we didn’t play the way we played before. They have a very clear game plan to stop our bench, especially ‘yung mga perimeter shooters namin,” Austria said post the game.

    The numbers backed up Austria’s assessment. TNT’s bench poured in a decisive 48 points, nearly doubling the 27 produced by San Miguel’s reserves. Don Trollano, typically the catalyst of the Beermen’s second unit, was effectively neutralized for most of the night and did not score until the final quarter.

     

    “Credit to the game plan of TNT, they were able to contain our shooters. If you noticed, ang gumawa sa amin ay puro big me. But our wingmen, especially the bench namin hindi sila masyado nag-score,” Austria added.

     

    Despite the struggles from the perimeter, San Miguel still found production from its frontline. June Mar Fajardo, Mo Tautuaa, and Rodney Brondial carried much of the offensive load, repeatedly scoring inside and controlling stretches of the rebounding battle. However, the limited output from veteran guards Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter, coupled with the bench’s quiet night, proved costly against a TNT side that rarely let its focus waver.

     

    Even so, the Beermen showed exactly why they are the defending champions. After trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half, San Miguel clawed its way back with improved defensive pressure and sharper execution in the second half, eventually cutting the deficit to just one possession in the final moments.

     

    “The mere fact na we are able to get that kind of production in the second half, the chance is still there. It’s a matter of mindset. This is a championship game. Every possession is very important, especially in the first quarter.

     

    “I think next time siguro mai-address namin lahat and we should have a better plan. This is a best of seven and we have to adjust,” Austria concluded.

     

    With adjustments expected on both sides, Austria will be banking on a stronger showing from Trollano and the rest of San Miguel’s bench when the series resumes. Game 2 is set for Friday, January 23, once again at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where the Beermen will look to respond and level the Finals, while TNT aims to build on its early momentum and tighten its grip on the championship series.

     

     

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