San Miguel adjusts to changing times

Once known as the PBA’s top exponent of the structured offense, San Miguel Beer is now playing a different tune in the PBA and coach Siot Tanquingcen’s adjustment is paying off handsome dividends so far in the Philippine Cup where the team has won its last three outings after a season-opening one- point loss to Alaska.

Tanquingcen said the other day it’s a realization of the changing times in the game.

“We saw it in the Olympics where teams relied more on transition, outside shooting and motion than the inside game because there are just too many big men protecting the basket,” he noted.

“It’s the same in the PBA. So now, we’re looking to run instead of setting up in the half-court. But that doesn’t mean we’re not emphasizing defense. We’re just running the floor a lot more.”

Tanquingcen’s approach has opened up opportunities to share the wealth among the Beermen. In San Miguel’s 111-98 win over Purefoods, six Beermen finished in double figures. And in the 84-77 disposal of Talk ‘N’ Text last Friday, eight Beermen logged at least 20 minutes with offseason recruit Jay Washington the only player with over 30.

Tanquingcen said even as San Miguel outran Talk ‘N’ Text to score more fastbreak points, defense won it for the Beermen who held the Tropang Texters to a single free throw in the last four minutes.

Although there are seven San Miguel players over 30 years old, Tanquingcen said the running game is not a problem with the veterans.

“Look at Olsen (Racela) who’s 37,” said Tanquingcen. “He’s keeping pace. If Olsen can do it, the other guys can do it, too.”

Tanquingcen said two San Miguel cornerstones – Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso – will work their way into the system. Seigle, 32, sat out Friday’s game with pain in his leg while Ildefonso, 31, flew back yesterday from a three-month trip to Los Angeles where he underwent surgery on both feet and did extensive rehab. Seigle’s status is day-to-day but Ildefonso isn’t expected back in uniform until late November or early December.

San Miguel’s deep lineup has meant a more even distribution of playing time.

“Some guys aren’t playing as much as they used to,” said Tanquingcen. “But that’s the challenge. The guys now have to show what they can do with the minutes they get. It doesn’t mean we’ll constantly change starting lineups but we’ll give everyone equal opportunity.”

A casualty in San Miguel’s rebuilding effort is veteran Chris Calaguio who lost his spot in the roster to rookie Bonbon (The Bonfire) Custodio and is now a practice player.

“If I could play Chris, I would,” said Tanquingcen. “But that’s the beauty of our team now. We’ve got lots of options. Chris is still under contract so when there’s a chance to reactivate him, we’ll consider it.”

Tanquingcen said the 5-11 Custodio was a blessing as the eighth overall pick in the draft last August.

“Bonbon is the second coming of Samboy Lim,” said the 2004 Coach of the Year. “He’s a very exciting player and a good fit to our system. He fills the gap as our slasher and we still expect more from him. We’ve got Dondon (Hontiveros) and Lordy (Tugade) also playing two-guard so we’re able to rotate so many talents in that position.”

Washington’s arrival was another blessing, added Tanquingcen.

“We knew Jay-Wash is athletic but we didn’t realize the extent of his knowledge of the game until he joined us,” said Tanquingcen.

Mick Pennisi was another offseason recruit who bolstered San Miguel’s frontline.

A player who has been a pleasant surprise for Tanquingcen is reserve big man Ken Bono. “Ken gives us quality minutes every game,” the ex-UST guard said. “He had an excellent preseason series in Qatar. He could be our most improved player.”

Tanquingcen said in the offseason, he welcomed walk-ins and free agents to training camp.

“I have a soft spot in my heart for long-shots because I was a long-shot myself,” he continued. “Coach Ron (Jacobs) gave me a chance to play and I’ll never forget it. That’s why I always encourage free agents to try out with us. I was once in that situation.”

Tanquingcen said in the open tryouts, he was impressed by 6-4 Frank Nailon of Cebu.

“Dondon asked if he could bring Frank to camp and we welcomed him,” said Tanquingcen. “I know he’ll eventually make it to the PBA and I hope he’ll still be available if we get a chance to sign him.” Nailon, 28, applied for the draft this year but wasn’t picked.

San Miguel has also brought back Marc Pingris, Dorian Peña, Mike Cortez, Jonas Villanueva and Wesley Gonzales to build a strong case for the championship this season.