Fired-up Beermen eye revenge vs Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer ace guard Chris Banchero has waited a year to get to this stage, the finals of the  Asean Basketball League, and the chance to get back at the Beermen’s tormentor in 2012, the Indonesia Warriors.

“It’s been a motivation all year,” said Banchero, one of only three players from the 2012 roster who returned in SMB uniform to have another go at the ABL crown.

“You know Asi (Taulava) messaged me before the season, talking about the championship so I’m really excited to be here. All we’re thinking about is how we lost the (finals) series last year and it’s exciting that we got another chance to go out and try to win it (this time),” he added.

The Beermen look to atone for that botched title drive beginning tonight in Game One of their best-of-five rematch with holders Warriors at 8 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena.

“Every game is a big game now,” said coach Leo Austria, an assistant in SMB’s bridesmaid finish who took over the chores when head mentor Bobby Parks Sr. got ill and eventually died. 

“We know Indonesia is trying to defend their title and look to be the first back-to-back champion. We’ll give our best to stop that and try to win our first title,” he added.

Austria and big man Asi Taulava will seek to complete a dream season that has already seen them win major individual awards, Coach of the Year and Most Valuable Player, respectively. But their eyes remain fixed on the ultimate prize – the ABL crown.

“I’m thankful for the award but we have to look at the bigger picture. San Miguel was formed to win the championship and now that we’re in the finals, we have to remain focused on the task at hand and beat Indonesia Warriors,” said Taulava.

The 40-year-old Fil-Tongan teams up with imports Justin Williams and Brian Williams in manning the lane for SMB while Banchero and backcourt partners Paulo Hubalde and Jeric Fortuna take quarterbacking chores and Leo Avenido leads the wings.

The Warriors, who ambushed SMB after dropping the opener in the 2012 best-of-three series, will bank on Fil-Am Stanley Pringle, former MVP Mario Wuysang, imports Steven Thomas and  Chris Daniels, Jerick Canada, and John Smith.