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Tag: San Miguel Beermen

  • San Miguel seeks to build momentum as TNT, Titan fight for survival

    San Miguel seeks to build momentum as TNT, Titan fight for survival

    The pressure is beginning to look different for the teams heading to Ynares Center-Montalban as the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup enters a crucial stretch of the eliminations.

     

    San Miguel Beer is chasing stability near the top of Group A, while TNT Tropang 5G and Titan Ultra Giant Risers are fighting to keep their respective playoff hopes from slipping further away.

     

    San Miguel takes on the Macau Giant Pandas at 7:30 p.m. Friday, looking to strengthen its hold on second place and complete a sweep of the guest team.

     

    Later on Saturday, Titan Ultra and TNT meet in another high-stakes matchup, with both teams needing a victory to improve their position in the crowded Group A race.

     

    San Miguel eyes another step forward

     

    San Miguel enters its matchup with Macau carrying the confidence of a convincing bounce-back win.

     

    The Beermen dismantled Converge, 126-114, on Wednesday to improve to 5-2, responding immediately after an overtime defeat to TNT in their previous game.

     

    The victory also marked the return of coach Leo Austria to the bench after recovering from an angioplasty.

     

    San Miguel looked every bit like a team eager to regain its rhythm, putting together a dominant second half against Converge behind another monster performance from import George King.

     

    King erupted for 46 points and 14 rebounds, while Don Trollano added 27. June Mar Fajardo, meanwhile, showed that his impact goes well beyond scoring by finishing with five points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists.

     

    The Beermen will now try to carry that balance into their rematch with Macau.

     

    They already defeated the Giant Pandas, 132-126, in their first meeting on July 18, but Macau has shown enough offensive firepower to make the rematch dangerous.

     

    The Pandas are coming off a 128-132 loss to Titan Ultra and sit at 2-5, tied at the bottom of Group A.

     

    Before that defeat, Macau had managed to string together consecutive wins over Titan Ultra and Terrafirma, briefly giving itself a chance to climb the standings.

     

    A victory over San Miguel would provide an enormous boost.

     

    For the Beermen, however, the objective is more straightforward: avoid another slip and move to 6-2.

     

    With unbeaten NLEX sitting at 6-0, San Miguel cannot afford to waste another opportunity to keep pace near the top.

     

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    TNT faces another test without key players

     

    The pressure is arguably greater for TNT.

     

    The Tropang 5G are coming off another narrow loss, falling to unbeaten NLEX, 83-88, despite mounting a furious comeback from a 17-point deficit.

     

    TNT continues to operate without several key players, including Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading and Jayson Castro.

     

    Despite the depleted lineup, the Tropang 5G remain firmly in the playoff conversation at 3-3.

     

    Their next opponent, however, has plenty of reason to believe it can cause another upset.

     

    Titan Ultra already defeated TNT, 103-87, when the teams first met on July 22.

     

    The Giant Risers are also entering the contest with plenty of offensive confidence after producing franchise records in their 132-128 victory over Macau.

     

    Titan scored a franchise-best 47 points in the third quarter, 80 in the first half and 132 overall. Its bench also came through with 57 points, giving Tirrell Brown and Joshua Munzon the support they needed.

     

    But coach Rensy Bajar knows offense alone will not be enough against TNT.

    “Kailangan lang talaga namin is defense,” he said.

     

    “Constant defense, ‘yung transition defense, rebounding. Iyun lang talaga… du’n lang talaga lagi kaming natatalo.”

     

    That message could determine whether Titan can turn its offensive explosion into a genuine winning streak.

     

    The Giant Risers are 2-5 and need a victory to climb out of the Group A cellar. TNT, meanwhile, needs to reach 4-3 to strengthen its bid for one of the four playoff spots.

     

    The Tropang 5G still have enough firepower to cause problems, led by replacement import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Rey Nambatac, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Glenn Khobuntin.

     

    But injuries have forced TNT to repeatedly find new ways to win.

     

    That makes Saturday’s matchup less about which team has the better roster on paper and more about which side can execute under pressure.

     

    For San Miguel, Friday is an opportunity to turn a bounce-back victory into sustained momentum.

    For Macau, it is a chance to shake off another defeat against one of the conference’s strongest teams.

     

    And for TNT and Titan Ultra, Saturday could be a defining night in their respective pushes to stay alive in the Group A playoff race.

     

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  • More than a scorer: June Mar Fajardo embraces new role in San Miguel’s title push

    More than a scorer: June Mar Fajardo embraces new role in San Miguel’s title push

    The San Miguel Beermen have made a strong start to the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, positioning themselves as one of the top contenders in Group A with a 5-2 win-loss record.

     

    San Miguel continued its impressive run with a dominant 126-114 victory over the Converge FiberXers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, August 5. While the Beermen’s offense once again produced a high-scoring performance, the spotlight belonged to franchise cornerstone June Mar Fajardo, who made his impact felt in an unfamiliar role.

     

    The eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player did not lead San Miguel in scoring against Converge. Instead, Fajardo controlled the game in other areas, delivering a remarkable all-around performance with 21 rebounds and 10 assists, while adding five points and four blocks in nearly 39 minutes of action.

     

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    For the 36-year-old superstar, the decision to prioritize playmaking and defense came naturally as import George King and several of his teammates carried much of the scoring responsibility.

    With San Miguel already possessing multiple offensive weapons, Fajardo explained that he focused on filling the gaps in other areas and embracing his role as a facilitator and defensive anchor.

     

    “Sobrang dami na naming scorer eh. Yung pinasok ni coach halos lahat scorer yun eh. Yung kulang sa group namin yung role player. So pwede ko i-fill yung gap na yun, yung role na yun,” Fajardo said during the postgame press conference.

     

    “Yung score naman nila, score ko na rin eh. Score yun namin ng team eh. So yun yung ano. Buti nakuha namin yung panalo. Ayoko makipag-kumpetensiya sa scoring,” he added.

     

    San Miguel head coach Leo Austria praised Fajardo’s unselfish approach, highlighting how the veteran center’s willingness to impact the game beyond scoring reflects his value as a complete player.

     

    “You can see naman, June Mar doesn’t want to score but he has a lot of rebounds and assists. Ten assists and 21 rebounds. That’s a sign of a good player. He is not thinking of himself, he is thinking of his teammates,” Austria said.

     

    Despite taking on a different role, Fajardo continues to provide consistent production for the Beermen this conference. He is currently averaging 8.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the 2026 Governors’ Cup, proving that his influence extends far beyond putting points on the scoreboard.

     

    As San Miguel continues its push for another championship run, Fajardo’s leadership and versatility remain among the team’s biggest strengths. The Beermen will look to build on their momentum when they face the Macau Giant Pandas on Saturday, August 8, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

     

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  • George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    San Miguel Beer wasted little time putting its latest setback behind it.

     

    After seeing its momentum halted by TNT in its previous outing, the Beermen responded with one of their most complete performances of the conference, overpowering Converge, 126-114, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to strengthen their position in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The victory lifted San Miguel to a 5-2 record in Group A while handing the FiberXers a fourth straight defeat after they opened the conference with three consecutive victories.

    The game was anything but comfortable early on.

     

    Converge stayed within striking distance throughout the first two quarters and even trailed by just a point, 65-64, at halftime as Jamaal Franklin, Justin Arana, and Calvin Abueva kept the FiberXers within striking distance.

     

    But everything changed after the break.

     

    San Miguel turned the third quarter into a statement, exploding for 37 points while limiting Converge to only 21. What had been a tightly contested battle suddenly became a double-digit lead as the Beermen stormed ahead, 102-85, entering the fourth.

     

    Converge attempted one last push behind Abueva’s aggressive scoring late in the game, but every rally was answered by George King, who repeatedly delivered baskets whenever the FiberXers threatened to make things interesting.

     

    The import finished with a conference-high 46 points along with 14 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in another dominant all-around performance.

     

    While King’s scoring grabbed the headlines, San Miguel’s balance proved equally important.

     

    The Beermen received 27 points from Don Trollano, while reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo quietly orchestrated the offense with a near triple-double of five points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists.

     

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    Head coach Leo Austria pointed to that collective effort as the biggest reason behind the bounce-back win.

     

    “The reason for this win, I think we’re able to balance the scoring. If you imagine, ang bench points namin 63, and that’s what I’m looking for sa team,” Austria said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “At the same time, we’re able to limit the fastbreak points of our opponent, which I think Converge is very good at the fastbreak. Another thing is the turnover, very limited, and we have a lot of assists.”

     

    The numbers backed up Austria’s assessment.

     

    San Miguel committed just nine turnovers while preventing Converge from getting easy transition opportunities, limiting the FiberXers to only 12 fastbreak points — a significant achievement against one of the league’s fastest-paced teams.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, continued searching for answers after another frustrating outing.

     

    Franklin and Abueva each finished with 26 points, while Justine Baltazar added 21 and Justin Arana chipped in 17, but the FiberXers had no response for San Miguel’s third-quarter avalanche.

     

    Instead of snapping their losing skid, Converge saw its early-season promise fade further as its losing streak reached four games, while the Beermen reminded the rest of the league why they remain among the top championship contenders despite recent setbacks.

     

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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, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    San Miguel, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    The second round of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup arrives with two contenders heading in the wrong direction.

     

    Not long ago, San Miguel Beer looked untouchable while Converge appeared to be the conference’s surprise team. Now, both clubs enter Wednesday’s showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum desperately searching for a reset.

     

    The rematch between the Beermen and the FiberXers has become less about revenge and more about survival in the increasingly competitive Group A race.

     

    San Miguel opened the conference by winning four of its first five games, but the league’s highest-scoring team has suddenly lost two of its last three outings.

     

    Converge’s fall has been even steeper.

     

    After racing to a perfect 3-0 start, the FiberXers have stumbled into a three-game losing streak, turning one of the conference’s hottest starts into growing uncertainty.

     

    Wednesday’s meeting offers both squads an opportunity to change the narrative.

     

    The Beermen won the first encounter, 128-122, on July 22 behind a dominant offensive display from George King and CJ Perez.

     

    King erupted for 41 points while Perez poured in 31 as San Miguel overpowered Converge in a shootout that highlighted the Beermen’s explosive attack.

     

    Much has changed since then.

     

    Converge has replaced import Jalen Hudson with former PBA reinforcement Jamaal Franklin, hoping the veteran can stabilize the FiberXers after consecutive defeats to San Miguel, TNT, and NLEX.

     

    While Franklin has shown flashes of his all-around game, he is still searching for his first victory since returning to the league.

     

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    Those losses have left Converge clinging to a Top Four spot, with Macau and Terrafirma quickly closing the gap as the playoff race tightens.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, is trying to rediscover the offensive firepower that fueled its blistering start.

     

    The Beermen entered last weekend averaging 120 points per game before being held to just 89 in an overtime loss to a heavily undermanned TNT squad.

     

    That defeat came shortly after NLEX also cooled off San Miguel in a 110-96 victory, exposing vulnerabilities rarely seen during the team’s early surge.

     

    Despite the recent setbacks, San Miguel remains one of the league’s most dangerous teams after victories over Macau, Terrafirma, Converge, and Titan Ultra.

     

    The challenge now is proving those performances represent who they really are.

     

    For Converge, the mission is equally straightforward.

     

    The FiberXers must rediscover the chemistry that carried them to a 3-0 start while giving Franklin the support needed to finally deliver his first win in his latest PBA stint.

     

    One team wants to prove its recent slump is merely a temporary dip.

     

    The other hopes its impressive start wasn’t an illusion.

     

    When the second-round rematch tips off, both San Miguel and Converge will be playing for more than another win—they’ll be fighting to reclaim the momentum they lost.

     

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  • Unbeaten NLEX puts perfect record on the line as TNT, San Miguel clash in crucial Governors’ Cup showdown

    Unbeaten NLEX puts perfect record on the line as TNT, San Miguel clash in crucial Governors’ Cup showdown

    Momentum and redemption collide in Saturday’s PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup twin bill at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where one team aims to protect perfection while another looks to prove its latest setback was only a temporary stumble.


    The spotlight first shifts to the clash between the NLEX Road Warriors and the Converge FiberXers, with the Road Warriors carrying the tournament’s only unbeaten record into another stern examination.

     

    Under first-year head coach Jimmy Alapag, NLEX has emerged as the team to beat after opening the conference with four straight victories. Their latest triumph was arguably their biggest statement yet, knocking off powerhouse San Miguel Beer, 110-99, to strengthen their grip on the top spot in Group A. Robert Bolick continued to orchestrate the offense while the Road Warriors showcased the balanced attack that has fueled their flawless start.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, enters the contest eager to erase the disappointment of a heartbreaking 110-107 loss to TNT Tropang 5G. The FiberXers fought until the final possession but came up just short, dropping to a 3-2 record after seeing a three-game winning run halted. Despite the defeat, Converge remains among the conference’s strongest contenders and now gets an immediate opportunity to bounce back against the league’s hottest team.

     

    Saturday’s opener presents a compelling contrast: NLEX has built its success on consistency and depth, while Converge is trying to show that one narrow defeat won’t derail its campaign.

     

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    TNT and San Miguel meet with momentum and urgency on the line as the second game offers another intriguing storyline as TNT Tropang 5G and the San Miguel Beermen square off with both teams chasing momentum for different reasons.

     

    TNT finally found its breakthrough after edging Converge, 110-107, behind another composed offensive performance. The victory provided a much-needed lift after an uneven start and gives the Tropang 5G confidence heading into one of their toughest assignments of the conference.

     

    San Miguel, on the other hand, enters the matchup looking to respond after absorbing its first defeat of the tournament. The Beermen were outplayed by the unbeaten Road Warriors, 110-99, ending what had been a strong 3-0 opening to their Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    With both clubs expected to be among the contenders later in the conference, Saturday’s meeting could carry significance beyond the standings. TNT is searching for consecutive victories to climb back into the playoff picture, while San Miguel wants to quickly regain its footing before the race tightens.

     

    Every win becomes increasingly valuable as the elimination round progresses, making Saturday’s doubleheader more than just another day on the schedule—it could shape the balance of power heading into the next phase of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

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  • San Miguel seeks quick response as dangerous Titan Ultra looks to play spoiler again

    San Miguel seeks quick response as dangerous Titan Ultra looks to play spoiler again

    San Miguel may have absorbed its first defeat of the conference, but the Beermen have little time to dwell on it.

     

    Instead, they are immediately thrown into another test as they face a dangerous Titan Ultra squad looking to keep its slim playoff hopes alive in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with both teams entering the contest eager to erase the memory of disappointing losses that halted their momentum.

     

    For San Miguel, Sunday’s 110-96 defeat to unbeaten NLEX served as a reminder that even championship contenders can be exposed. The Beermen entered that matchup riding a three-game winning streak before the Road Warriors dictated the pace and handed them their first setback of the conference.

     

    Now sitting at 3-1, San Miguel remains firmly in the hunt for one of the coveted Top 4 spots in Group A, but another loss could further tighten an already competitive race.

     

    The Beermen will once again count on June Mar Fajardo to anchor the paint, while CJ Perez and import George King are expected to lead the offense after spearheading San Miguel’s impressive opening stretch.

     

    Across the floor, Titan Ultra is chasing a different objective.

     

    The Giant Risers appeared to have finally found their breakthrough after stunning defending champion TNT, 103-87, for their first victory of the tournament. However, that momentum quickly disappeared after surrendering 132 points in a high-scoring loss to the Macau Giant Pandas.

     

    Now carrying a 1-4 record, Titan Ultra finds itself with virtually no room for error if it hopes to remain in the playoff conversation.

     

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    Despite its inconsistent campaign, the Giant Risers have already proven they are capable of taking down elite opponents. Earlier this year, Titan Ultra shocked San Miguel with a 119-112 victory during the Commissioner’s Cup, giving the Beermen another reason to avoid overlooking the league’s newest franchise.

     

    Titan Ultra’s up-tempo style has made it one of the conference’s most unpredictable teams. When its transition game clicks, it has shown it can keep up with—and even beat—the PBA’s heavyweights. But when its defense falters, shootouts often end in heartbreak.

     

    That contrast makes Wednesday’s meeting one of the more intriguing matchups of the week.

     

    San Miguel will look to reassert itself as one of the conference favorites after its stumble against NLEX, while Titan Ultra hopes another upset can breathe life back into its campaign.

     

    With the playoff race beginning to take shape, both teams understand the importance of responding immediately. For San Miguel, it’s about proving one loss doesn’t define a contender.

     

    For Titan Ultra, it’s another chance to show it can once again shake up the standings.

     

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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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  • George King enjoys San Miguel’s unbeaten start, admits team chemistry is building

    George King enjoys San Miguel’s unbeaten start, admits team chemistry is building

    The San Miguel Beermen continued their dominant start to the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after overcoming the Converge FiberXers, 128-122, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, July 22.

     

    Leading the charge for San Miguel was import George King, who delivered his best performance of the conference so far and provided the offensive spark the Beermen needed in a high-scoring affair.

     

    King erupted for 41 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block while shooting 16-of-32 from the field. He also connected on two four-pointers, showcasing his scoring ability from different areas of the court as San Miguel remained unbeaten in the early stages of the Governors’ Cup.

     

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    For King, the victory was another positive step as he continues to adjust to his new teammates, the PBA style of play, and San Miguel’s system. Despite producing a monster performance, the 32-year-old import emphasized that the team is still in the process of building chemistry.

     

    “It’s always good to be undefeated. We started off hot early, it builds some momentum. We are still learning each other, building chemistry. I think tonight we showed some moments of chemistry. We are really happy with that. It’s nice to be in this position,” King said after the game.

     

     

    Beyond his numbers, King’s energy and enthusiasm throughout the contest stood out. The former NBA player was often seen celebrating big plays, encouraging teammates, and enjoying the moment on the court—signs of his growing comfort within the Beermen system.

     

    King explained that maintaining that enjoyment and passion for the game has been important as he continues his professional career.

     

    “For me, it is easy to lose focus that this is a game. And I go back to my early stages of when I found this game where I did it because it was fun and I enjoyed it. I still do, but I believe that at this point, sometimes it can be easy to forget that. Recently, I have been reminded of that and I’m using it going forward.”

     

    He also highlighted how the team’s celebrations and shared moments on the court could help strengthen their bond moving forward.

     

    “Obviously, we are making plays and we are making our opponents call a timeout, and we are literally sitting there, and dancing, and just building our chemistry. I think these are the things that are going to pay off for us down the road if we continue to have success. I think it’s going to pay off for us going forward,” he added.

     

     

    San Miguel’s strong start comes after the franchise experienced import difficulties in previous conferences, particularly during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup when the Beermen had to go through multiple import changes before eventually settling on Bennie Boatwright.

     

    However, assistant coach Peter Martin believes those concerns are now behind the team with King leading the way.

     

    Martin praised King’s versatility, leadership, and willingness to make plays for his teammates, noting that the import has made the adjustment process much easier for the coaching staff.

     

    “Oh, very safe. Very, very safe. Alam mo, kung tinitignan niyo yung. Minsan kukunin yung board siya mag-play para sa amin. Makes our job really much easier. And then he talks to the players. At the start, he won’t be so aggressive. The first game, puro pasa nga siya eh,” Martin said.

     

     

    The veteran coach added that King’s understanding of the game and ability to connect with his teammates will continue to improve as he becomes more familiar with the Beermen’s system.

     

    “Sabi ko nga sa kanya na it’s up to him. He knows how to play with these guys. He knows how to motivate. So, konti pa siguro. Konting familiarity pa magiging okay. Depensa na lang siguro mag-adjust kami ng konti pa,” Martin added.

     

     

    With King quickly establishing himself as a key piece of their lineup, San Miguel will look to maintain its perfect record when it faces the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, July 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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