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Tag: San Miguel Beermen

  • June Mar Fajardo cites import changes as key factor behind San Miguel playoff exit 

    June Mar Fajardo cites import changes as key factor behind San Miguel playoff exit 

    The San Miguel Beermen saw their Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup campaign come to an unexpectedly early conclusion after suffering a 104-113 defeat to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the quarterfinals at the Ynares Center on Friday, May 15.

     

    The loss marked a disappointing finish for one of the league’s most decorated franchises, as the Beermen once again fell short of their usual championship standards despite flashes of strong performances throughout the conference. The defeat also highlighted the challenges of roster instability, particularly in the import position, which ultimately disrupted the team’s rhythm heading into the playoffs.

     

    San Miguel cornerstone and record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo addressed the team’s early exit following the match, acknowledging that frequent changes in imports significantly affected their chemistry and overall consistency during the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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    “Siguro. Nakakaapekto rin ‘yun sa amin, sa chemistry namin. Pero gano’n talaga, hindi maiiwasan ‘yun. Nakakalungkot man, pahinga na lang muna. Bawi na lang next conference,” Fajardo said in a media interaction.

     

    San Miguel’s import situation proved to be one of the defining storylines of their campaign. The Beermen initially opened the conference with Marcus Lee as their reinforcement, but he was limited to just three games before the team opted for a change.

    He was replaced by Justin Patton, who immediately made an impact by helping San Miguel secure back-to-back victories against the Macau Black Bears and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. However, the momentum was halted following a 116-112 defeat to Rain or Shine, a game that would ultimately mark Patton’s final appearance for the franchise.

     

    Patton’s abrupt exit came after he failed to report for the team’s subsequent matchup against the Magnolia Hotshots, a situation that contributed to another costly defeat and further disrupted San Miguel’s continuity. In response, the Beermen brought back Bennie Boatwright, whose familiarity with the system immediately provided stability and offensive firepower.

     

    Boatwright’s return sparked a strong late surge for San Miguel, as he powered the team to four wins in their final five elimination-round games, helping them secure a playoff berth despite the earlier turbulence. His scoring and spacing ability once again proved vital, but the constant adjustments across the conference left the Beermen searching for cohesion at a critical stage of the season.

     

    Against Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, San Miguel showed stretches of competitiveness but were ultimately unable to contain the Elasto Painters’ balanced attack down the stretch. The loss ended their title bid earlier than expected, reinforcing concerns about consistency and roster stability heading into future conferences.

     

    Despite the setback, Fajardo remained composed in defeat, offering credit to their opponents while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the game.

     

    “Wala, talo talaga. Congratulations sa Rain or Shine, ang ganda nu’ng conference nila. And kami naman, gusto man naming manalo, gano’n talaga ang basketball. Hindi naman natin makukuha lahat ng panalo eh. Titingnan na lang namin ‘yung three conferences, two out of three, so not bad na ‘yun. Bounce back kami next conference,” he concluded.

     

    While the early exit is a rare stumble for the Beermen, the franchise will look to regroup and stabilize its roster ahead of the next conference, with hopes of returning to its championship-contending form in the highly competitive PBA landscape.

     

     

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  • Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    The cast is finally complete for the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs — and the road to the championship immediately offers no easy passage for anyone.

     

    Even teams armed with twice-to-beat advantages are entering the quarterfinals knowing one bad night could completely shift the balance of the tournament.

     

    Among the biggest storylines heading into Friday’s playoff opener at the Ynares Center Antipolo is the dangerous collision between the third-seeded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the battle-tested San Miguel Beermen.

     

    On paper, Rain or Shine owns the advantage after securing a top-four finish and the coveted twice-to-beat incentive. But against a franchise built on championship pedigree, the cushion feels far less secure.

     

    The Elasto Painters looked nearly unstoppable early in the conference, storming to a franchise-best 7-0 start behind the high-powered play of import Jaylen Johnson and the system of veteran coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Their early-season surge featured statement wins over TNT, Converge, and even San Miguel, where Rain or Shine survived a furious Beermen comeback to preserve a 116-112 victory after leading by as many as 25 points.

     

    For weeks, the Elasto Painters looked like the league’s most complete team.

     

    Then came the late wobble.

     

    Rain or Shine dropped three of its last five elimination games, including a lopsided 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that ultimately pushed the team down to third place despite finishing with a strong 9-3 record.

     

    Johnson still emerged as one of the conference’s top imports after averaging 23.6 points and 14.6 rebounds, but the playoffs now present an entirely different challenge.

     

    Because unlike Rain or Shine’s steady rise, San Miguel arrives carrying momentum built through survival.

     

    The Beermen stumbled through the early part of the conference behind inconsistent imports and a shaky 3-4 start that placed their title hopes in danger. Their struggles peaked during a disappointing loss to Magnolia where former import Justin Patton struggled badly.

     

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    Desperate for stability, San Miguel turned back to a familiar answer.

     

    The return of Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who powered the franchise to the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup title — immediately changed the tone of the Beermen’s campaign.

     

    San Miguel won four of its last five games and carried a three-game winning streak into the playoffs to finish 7-5, suddenly looking like a team nobody wants to face in a short series.

     

    While Rain or Shine and San Miguel figure in a heavyweight showdown, the other marquee matchup features Ginebra taking on the returning Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

     

    For Phoenix, simply returning to the playoffs already marks a major breakthrough after missing the postseason the last two years.

     

    Unfortunately for coach Charles Tiu and the Fuel Masters, their reward is a date with the league’s most experienced playoff machine led by Tim Cone and resident superstar Justin Brownlee.

     

    Ginebra’s path to the No. 2 seed was not entirely smooth.

     

    The Gin Kings opened the conference unevenly despite Brownlee’s return, alternating wins and losses through their first four outings before eventually finding rhythm midway through the eliminations.

     

    Once they clicked, however, Ginebra quickly looked like a legitimate contender again.

     

    The team won seven of its final eight games, capped by dominant victories over Rain or Shine and TNT to secure a 9-3 record and the second seed behind top-ranked NLEX Road Warriors.

     

    Brownlee once again anchored the team with monster averages of 30.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, while rising guard RJ Abarrientos blossomed into one of the conference’s breakout stars with 21.5 points per game.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, enters the playoffs still searching for consistency despite flashes of promise throughout the eliminations.

     

    The Fuel Masters started strong before struggling through uneven stretches that eventually left them at 6-6 entering the quarterfinals.

     

    A major turning point came when Phoenix replaced import James Dickey with returning reinforcement Johnathan Williams, who immediately stabilized the team with averages of 22.7 points and 15.7 rebounds.

     

    The conference also became a breakout stage for Ricci Rivero, who thrived under Tiu’s system with averages of 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before a hand injury sidelined him late in the eliminations.

     

    Still, Phoenix faces a massive uphill climb.

     

    The Fuel Masters lost their lone elimination meeting against Ginebra, 109-96, in a game where Brownlee and Abarrientos combined for 58 points to completely overwhelm Phoenix in the second half.

     

    Now, with the quarterfinals officially set, the Commissioner’s Cup postseason opens with a familiar truth around the PBA:

     

    Momentum helps, twice-to-beat advantages matter, but once the playoffs begin, reputations and pressure often become the biggest deciding factors of all.

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright naturalization back on track as Senate hearing set  

    Bennie Boatwright naturalization back on track as Senate hearing set  

    The wait may finally be nearing its turning point for Bennie Boatwright.

     

    After weeks of uncertainty and scheduling conflicts, the path toward his eligibility for Gilas Pilipinas is moving again—this time, with both momentum and a growing body of work to support his case.

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Francis Pangilinan, has scheduled a hearing on Wednesday to resume Boatwright’s naturalization proceedings. This time, the 6-foot-10 forward is expected to be present, marking a key step forward after his earlier absence stalled the process.

     

    That delay came in March, when Boatwright was still fulfilling commitments overseas in Korea. Now back in the Philippines as an active reinforcement for the San Miguel Beermen, the timing finally aligns for both his professional and national team aspirations.

     

    And while the paperwork resumes, Boatwright has been making his case where it matters most—on the court.

     

    Serving as San Miguel’s third import this conference following Marcus Lee and Justin Patton, Boatwright has quickly made his presence felt. In just three games, he has steered the Beermen to a 2-1 record while putting up impressive numbers of 31.7 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game.

     

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    His arrival was nothing short of explosive. In his debut, Boatwright dropped 41 points to power San Miguel to a 98-94 win over the NLEX Road Warriors, immediately showcasing the scoring punch and versatility that make him a strong candidate for Gilas consideration.

     

    That early impact adds another layer to the conversation surrounding his naturalization. He is no longer just a prospective addition—he is a player already proving he can dominate at a high level in the local scene.

     

    Still, the next step lies beyond the hardwood.

     

    The upcoming Senate hearing represents a crucial phase in determining whether Boatwright can officially transition from PBA import to national team mainstay. If approved, he would join the growing list of naturalized players tasked with bolstering the Philippines in international competition.

     

    For now, the focus shifts from stats to proceedings.

     

    But with his performances already turning heads, Boatwright heads into the hearing not just as a candidate—but as a compelling case.

     

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  • Don Trollano sparks San Miguel bench lift in comeback win over Meralco

    Don Trollano sparks San Miguel bench lift in comeback win over Meralco

    A return at just the right time gave the San Miguel Beermen a needed jolt. In a season where consistency has been elusive, Don Trollano re-emerged as a difference-maker.


    Powering San Miguel’s second-half surge in a 103-92 comeback win over the Meralco Bolts during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Coming off a two-game absence due to injury, Trollano wasted no time shaking off the rust. He unloaded 14 of his 16 points after halftime, turning a tight rotation piece into the Beermen’s unexpected ignition point. He also added three rebounds, one assist, and a steal in a performance that earned him Player of the Game honors.

     

    “There’s still some pain there, but it’s manageable now. I had to really find my rhythm earlier because I was gone for two games so it was hard. I also only returned to practice three days ago, so it was a bit hard,” he said.

     

    Even with limited preparation, Trollano’s timing proved crucial. He and Mo Tautuaa combined for 26 points off the bench, giving San Miguel the depth boost it had been missing in recent outings.


    “We just have to stay focused. I know we started out flat tonight but we just knew we had to play our game and to do that, we had to stay composed,” the 34-year-old Trollano said.

     

    With their victory Trollano and the San Miguel squad climbed to a 5-5 record, good for seventh place.

     

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    The Beermen’s stars also delivered across the board. June Mar Fajardo anchored the paint with 19 points and 17 rebounds, while import Bennie Boatwright added 14 points and 11 rebounds. 

    CJ Perez chipped in 14 points despite needing 15 attempts, and Tautuaa narrowly missed a double-double with 12 points and eight boards.

     

    For San Miguel, the win offered more than just a split record—it was a reminder that depth still matters in a crowded playoff race. The Beermen now shift their focus to a matchup with Terrafirma on May 6 at the same venue.

     

    Meralco, meanwhile, leaned on Marvin Jones’ 26 points and 13 rebounds, with Chris Newsome contributing 18 and CJ Cansino adding 12.

     

    But the loss dropped the Bolts to fifth place at 5-3, slipping just outside the Top Four.

     

    They now face a crucial bounce-back test against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on May 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where every result continues to reshape the playoff picture in a tightly packed standings race.

     

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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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  • “Trying to make the most of every opportunity”: Paul Zamar steps up in Blackwater’s win over San Miguel

    “Trying to make the most of every opportunity”: Paul Zamar steps up in Blackwater’s win over San Miguel

    The Blackwater Bossing have endured a difficult stretch in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, managing just two wins in their first eight outings to languish near the bottom of the standings at 11th place. For a team trying to rebuild and establish consistency, the early part of the conference has been marked by uneven performances, injuries, and constant lineup adjustments.

     

    But on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Blackwater found a much-needed breakthrough. In a statement victory, they stunned the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, 126–120, in a high-scoring affair that showcased both their offensive firepower and renewed sense of urgency.

     

    Import R. Upshaw led the charge with 35 points, while Sedrick Barefield added 29, forming a potent one-two punch that kept San Miguel’s defense on its heels all game long. Yet beyond the headline numbers, it was the performance of veteran guard Paul Zamar that provided one of the night’s most compelling storylines.

     

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    Coming off the bench, Zamar delivered 12 points in just under 18 minutes—an efficient and timely contribution that underscored both his experience and readiness. For the 38-year-old, the performance carried extra weight, as it marked a significant step in his return to meaningful basketball after a long and uncertain road back from injury.

     

    “This is almost my first real competition in almost two years. Na-ACL ako, I was out for one year, last conference I was just playing spot minutes, I didn’t know kung maglalaro ako,” Zamar said in a media interaction.

     

    Zamar’s journey back to the court has been anything but straightforward. After recovering from a serious ACL injury, he found himself without a contract when the NorthPort Batang Pier opted not to re-sign him. For a player at his age, such a situation often signals the end of a career. However, opportunity knocked once more when Blackwater franchise owner Dioceldo Sy extended him a lifeline, offering him a roster spot and a chance to prove he still belongs.

    Even with that opportunity, minutes were not guaranteed. Under then-head coach Jeff Cariaso, Zamar saw limited action, as the team prioritized developing younger talent. The veteran understood the situation, acknowledging both the team’s direction and the realities of his stage in his career.

     

    Circumstances shifted, however, when injuries sidelined key guards RK Ilagan, Dalph Panopio, and Jed Mendoza. At the same time, a coaching change brought in Pat Aquino, opening the door for Zamar to carve out a larger role.

     

    “I know the direction of coach Jeff, he wants to play the younger players. Now kay coach Pat, nabibigyan ako ng opportunities. Everyday, every practice, my approach is to get myself ready. We never know when an opportunity will come. I’m trying to make the most out of every opportunity na binigay sakin,” he added.

     

    Over his last two appearances in the conference, Zamar has averaged 13 points and 2.5 assists in roughly 20 minutes per game—numbers that reflect both his efficiency and his ability to contribute despite limited playing time. More importantly, his presence has added stability and leadership to a team still searching for rhythm.

     

    For Zamar, every game carries added significance as he approaches what could be the final chapter of his professional career. While his future with the franchise remains uncertain, his focus is firmly on the present—making the most of every minute he gets on the floor.

     

    “I don’t know kung ano plano ng management sa’kin after this but I’m trying to enjoy the moment, enjoy every practice, every game. But of course I want to play, I want to finish the season then we will take it from there. Hopefully ma-extend, hopefully. I will just have to be ready,” Zamar concluded.

     

    As Blackwater looks to build momentum from their upset win, all eyes now turn to their upcoming matchup against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Friday, April 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With renewed confidence and contributions coming from both stars and veterans alike, the Bossing will aim to climb out of the lower rungs of the standings—and perhaps rewrite the narrative of their season.

     

     

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  • Pat Aquino’s first win sparks momentum as Blackwater outlasts San Miguel 

    Pat Aquino’s first win sparks momentum as Blackwater outlasts San Miguel 

    Pat Aquino didn’t just earn his first victory as Blackwater head coach—he may have uncovered the identity his team has been searching for in all conferences.


    In a game that tested both composure and conviction, the Bossing outdueled powerhouse San Miguel, 126-120, Wednesday night to finally halt a four-game slide in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    The breakthrough didn’t come easy. Aquino had inherited a team reeling from back-to-back blowouts and still finding its footing under new leadership. 

     

    His first two games in charge only added to the frustration—a narrow loss to TNT and a lopsided defeat to Phoenix stretched the skid. But instead of unraveling, Blackwater leaned in.

     

    “One for the books, of course. So tough,” Aquino described their breakthrough.

     

    That toughness was on full display against San Miguel, a team known for punishing lapses and staging comebacks. 

     

    Blackwater built a lead as big as 22, only to see it slowly erased as the Beermen clawed back and even briefly seized control in the fourth quarter.

     

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    Aquino, however, had already prepared his players for that exact moment.

     

    “I told them they’re gonna come back. This is a champion team, and Coach Leo is a champion coach. They’re gonna pull everything on us to get back at us. I just told the boys to never stop playing,” he explained.

     

    Import Robert Upshaw III anchored the charge with a dominant 35-point, 17-rebound, and five-assist performance, while Sedrick Barefield added 29 points and Christian David chipped in 15 points.

     

    On the other side, Bennie Boatwright did everything he could to give San Miguel their win, finishing with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, but Blackwater’s resilience proved stronger in the end.

     

    For Aquino, the win was more than a number in the standings, it was validation of patience, both his and the team’s.

     

    “A lot of challenges. A lot of good coaches around the league. And this is professional. We have to be professionals in a way that we gotta deal with it na talagang you have to perform and do your best all the time,” the 54-year-old mentor said.

     

    The locker room celebration that followed, complete with a well-earned drenching for their new coach, captured a team rediscovering belief. Still, reality quickly set in.

     

    At 2-6, Blackwater remains on the outside looking in, needing a near-perfect finish in its final four games to stay in the playoff hunt. And the road doesn’t get any easier, with Barangay Ginebra up next in a grueling back-to-back.

     

    For Aquino, though, that challenge carries a personal layer. “It’s gonna be hard for us because it’s back-to-back games against another champion, and of course, my idol Tim Cone,” the veteran coach expressed.

     

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  • “I’m honored and grateful”: CJ Perez on joining the elite PBA 5,000-point club 

    “I’m honored and grateful”: CJ Perez on joining the elite PBA 5,000-point club 

    CJ Perez continues to solidify his status as one of the most vital pieces in the San Miguel Beermen’s lineup, combining scoring consistency with all-around impact in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The explosive guard-forward once again played a key role in helping the San Miguel Beermen return to the win column, contributing to a hard-fought 98-94 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, April 19, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

     

    Although his stat line of 13 points, nine rebounds, and two assists may not fully capture his overall influence on the game, Perez delivered a historic milestone late in the contest. With just nine seconds remaining, he converted a layup that not only helped seal the win but also pushed him past the 5,000-point mark in his PBA career.

     

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    The achievement officially placed Perez among the league’s elite scorers, further cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable offensive weapons in Philippine basketball.

     

    Entering the game needing just 12 points to reach the milestone, Perez reached the mark in fitting fashion—staying aggressive and focused on team success first, while the individual honor came naturally within the flow of the game.

     

    “Pang-ilang taon ko na ba ngayon, seven? I’m honored and grateful na nakarating ako dito and we know naman since rookie year ko na I’m a scorer so I’m happy. Actually struggle talaga today parang medyo may gigil kasi yun nga, kailangan namin manalo. Pero hindi naman ako na-pressure sa 5k points. Talagang just play our game,” Perez said in the postmatch press conference.

    Now 32 years old, Perez becomes the 102nd player in PBA history to reach at least 5,000 career points, a testament to both his longevity and scoring efficiency since entering the league. He also becomes the 14th player in San Miguel franchise history to achieve the milestone, further linking his name with some of the organization’s greatest legends.

     

    Among active players, Perez is only the 11th to join the exclusive club and the 97th Filipino local player overall, underscoring how rare and significant the achievement is in the context of the league’s long and storied history.

     

    Beyond the personal milestone, Perez emphasized the importance of the victory itself, especially as San Miguel continues to search for consistency in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Beermen, currently sitting in eighth place with a 4-4 record, have struggled to meet their usual championship standards, making every win crucial in their push up the standings.

     

    Perez’s leadership has become even more important amid roster adjustments and evolving team dynamics, particularly with the recent changes in their import situation. His ability to contribute in multiple areas—scoring, rebounding, and facilitating—has helped stabilize the Beermen during a challenging stretch.

     

    With renewed momentum, San Miguel is now focused on building consistency as the elimination round progresses. The coaching staff has repeatedly stressed the importance of sustaining effort and execution across full games if they are to reassert themselves as legitimate title contenders.

     

    The Beermen will look to carry their momentum forward when they face the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The matchup is expected to serve as another important test of their form and chemistry as they continue their push for a higher position in the standings.

     

    For Perez, however, the focus remains clear—keep winning, keep improving, and let the milestones come naturally as San Miguel works its way back into championship contention.

     

     

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  • Leo Austria is confident Bennie Boatwright can turn San Miguel’s PBA season around 

    Leo Austria is confident Bennie Boatwright can turn San Miguel’s PBA season around 

    The San Miguel Beermen, long regarded as one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), are navigating unfamiliar territory in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup. Known for their consistency and championship pedigree, the Beermen have so far struggled to meet expectations, currently sitting eighth in the standings with a balanced 4-4 record—far from the dominant form fans have come to expect.

     

    A significant factor behind San Miguel’s uneven campaign has been instability at the import position. Their initial reinforcement, Justin Patton, became a source of controversy after failing to show up for a crucial matchup against the Magnolia Hotshots, raising questions about commitment and team chemistry. The organization acted swiftly, parting ways with Patton and bringing back a familiar and proven contributor in Bennie Boatwright.

     

    Boatwright wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first game back with the Beermen on Sunday, April 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the former fan favorite delivered a dominant performance, erupting for 41 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His all-around effort powered San Miguel to a hard-fought 98-94 victory, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s campaign and morale.

     

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    Head coach Leo Austria expressed optimism that Boatwright’s return could stabilize the team and address their import woes, drawing parallels to a successful stretch in the past.

     

    “Hopefully. The last time what we did during Bennie’s arrival in 2024 in the middle of the elimination eh. Since then we have never lost twice in a row. And eventually, we won the championship. We are hoping na we can duplicate this kind of situation that we have now to the year 2024,” Austria said in a media interaction.

    Austria’s confidence is shared by star guard CJ Perez, who emphasized how Boatwright’s skill set complements San Miguel’s core of talented local players. For Perez, finding the right import has long been a challenge, but Boatwright’s immediate impact suggests they may have finally found the missing piece.

     

    “I think yun yung nawawalang piece sa puzzle doon sa team namin eh. Every import conference nahihirapan kami maghanap ng import na nag-fifit sa San Miguel. I think Bennie is the answer doon sa struggle namin,” Perez added.

     

    Boatwright himself remains focused on the present, preferring a steady, game-by-game approach rather than looking too far ahead. While his performance has already reignited hopes among fans and teammates alike, the import is keeping his mindset grounded.

     

    “Yeah that’s the goal of course. But me personally, I want to take it one day at a time. You know just stacking the wins. To get this first win it feels very good as a team, myself and you know I’m excited moving forward,” Boatwright said.

     

    With renewed energy and a reinforced lineup, the Beermen now aim to build momentum as the elimination round progresses. Consistency will be key if they hope to climb the standings and reestablish themselves as legitimate title contenders.

     

    San Miguel will look to continue their resurgence when they take on the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—a matchup that could serve as an early test of whether Boatwright’s return truly marks a turning point in their season.

     

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright’s return sparks SMB—and revives Gilas naturalization push

    Bennie Boatwright’s return sparks SMB—and revives Gilas naturalization push

    For San Miguel Beermen, the return of Bennie Boatwright isn’t just about adding firepower—it’s about restoring direction.

     

    And for Philippine basketball, it could mean something even bigger. Back in Manila to reinforce San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, Boatwright’s arrival comes with a dual purpose: helping the Beermen rediscover their rhythm and pushing forward a long-delayed journey toward Filipino citizenship.

     

    “Looking forward to it,” he said, referring to his naturalization process after San Miguel’s 98-94 escape over the NLEX Road Warriors.

     

    “I think we have, like, one more hearing in the Senate, and I think I should be good to go after that.”

    “It’s nice that I’m here.”

     

    That sense of timing hasn’t always been on his side.

     

    Boatwright’s path to naturalization began in April 2024 when Senate Bill No. 2646 was filed by Sonny Angara, but the process stalled amid political shifts and election cycles. Injuries added another layer of delay, most notably an Achilles setback in August that forced him to step away from the court.

     

    Even a scheduled Senate hearing earlier this year had to be pushed back as Boatwright remained overseas, fulfilling commitments with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League.

     

    Now, the pieces are finally aligning. Following Daegu’s early exit from playoff contention, Boatwright made his way back to Manila—just as San Miguel found itself in need of a reset after parting ways with former import Justin Patton.

     

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    The result was immediate. In his first game back, the 6-foot-10 forward delivered 41 points and 11 rebounds, powering the Beermen to a comeback win and snapping a brief slide. More than the numbers, it was the familiarity that stood out.

     

    “It feels good to be back home,” Boatwright said. “I’m just excited to be playing with the guys, and it’s like I never left.”

     

    That comfort level is exactly what San Miguel is banking on as it looks to regain its footing in the conference—especially with the same import who led them to the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup title.

    But the ripple effect extends beyond the PBA. Boatwright remains one of the leading candidates to bolster Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player, a role that carries both opportunity and responsibility.

     

    “I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

     

    “I keep that in mind every day while I’m training, just preparing. I think it’s a really good opportunity. I’m grateful for it.”

     

    For now, the focus is on wins. But with each game he plays—and each step forward in his naturalization—Boatwright’s return is shaping into something more than just a mid-conference boost.

     

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