Beermen rearm for return

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer will make a dramatic comeback in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the franchise’s Grand Slam victory in 1989 and newly-appointed team manager Gee Abanilla said the other day defense will be the focus of the reorganized coaching staff made up of head tactician Biboy Ravanes, consultant Todd Purves and assistants Peter Martin, Boysie Zamar, Riel Banaria and Dayong Mendoza.

San Miguel Corp. is the only remaining original franchise holder since the league opened in 1975 and has been represented by several brands through the years, namely, Royal Tru-Orange, Gold Eagle Beer, Magnolia and since 2010-11, Petron. In the just-concluded Philippine Cup, Petron went to the semifinals and lost to Rain Or Shine in five games of a best-of-seven series. In the previous conference, Petron pushed San Mig Coffee to the limit and bowed to the Mixers in the best-of-seven Governors Cup finals that went the full route. Abanilla was the Petron coach for those two conferences.

To prepare for San Miguel Beer’s return, the team made key personnel changes. Alex Cabagnot was traded to Globalport for Sol Mercado while Rico Maierhofer moved in from Barako for Jason Deutchman and two future second round picks. Former team manager Siot Tanquingcen is now a consultant with Barako. Zamar was recruited from the Barangay Ginebra coaching staff and Banaria, formerly the ABL supervisor of officials, came in on Purves’ recommendation. Additionally, the squad will welcome import Josh Boone, the New Jersey Nets’ first round draft pick in 2006.

Boone, 29, is expected to arrive from New York today. The four-year NBA veteran started in 100 of 103 games with the University of Connecticut varsity and played on the Huskies team that won the NCAA championship in 2004 alongside Emeka Okafur and Ben Gordon. Boone earned $5.45 Million in four years with the Nets, averaging 5.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. He is one of only a few NBA players who finished their careers with a higher field goal percentage, 54.4%, than free throw percentage, 44.5%.

Abanilla said the team went through five candidates before locking in on Boone. “He’s a defensive player, runs the floor, sets good ball screens,” said Abanilla. “We’re excited about Josh joining us. Defense will definitely be the focus of our team. We actually installed coach Todd’s defensive system last conference so continuity is essential. I think the second conference will be a dogfight with a lot of very impressive imports playing. We’ll be prepared to play tough. The PBA is a very physical league and I think Rain Or Shine sets a high standard when it comes to playing physical.”

Abanilla said new hires Mercado and Maierhofer are fitting in smoothly. “Everyone’s playing very well at practice, we’re building chemistry,” he said. “Sol is adjusting very quickly. He brings a high level of intensity and competitiveness. He’s doing fine at practice, working with Chris (Ross), Paolo (Hubalde) and Chico (Lanete). Rico is a great talent with lots of potential. He’s young, he runs the floor, he’s long, he’s a terrific offensive rebounder. He gives us a new dimension. Yousef (Taha) arrived from the US just the other day and in his first practice since coming back, he did very well. His trade for Justin Chua is on hold since there is a rule that prohibits a player to be traded back to his former team until after two conferences. But depending on his showing, we’ll reevaluate the trade after this conference.”

Abanilla said the Beermen recently took a day trip to Tagaytay for a team-building activity. “We had a boodle feast, eating with our hands on a long table,” he said. “We were all together, players, coaches, support staff. I was surprised that our Fil-Ams know how to eat kamayan-style, like Marcio (Lassiter). We had a very productive time bonding.”

In the Commissioner’s Cup starting Wednesday, San Miguel will be a contender with Boone, Arwind Santos, JuneMar Fajardo, Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Doug Kramer, Ronald Tubid, Ross, Hubalde, Taha, Jojo Duncil and Lanete and now with Mercado and Maierhofer. Banaria’s addition will also be a boost.

“Riel is a legit NBA referee with experience in the summer leagues,” said Abanilla. “Because of his officiating background, he has a rich understanding of the game. He’s a big help to us, he participates in our drills, he gets everyone going with his energy and he’s quite aggressive in his approach. We welcome Riel’s contributions.” Banaria himself said he’s thrilled to be a part of the San Miguel family. “I found out about the job last week,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to be involved with a first-class organization.”

Abanilla said his scope of work has now enlarged to include issues beyond basketball. Aside from the responsibilities of a team manager, Abanilla will take over the late Ely Capacio’s position as alternate governor in the PBA Board. “I’ll still be involved with the technical stuff,” he said. “But my role will be different now, this time, I’ll also be charting the direction of our team. I’m very grateful to Boss Ramon (San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang) and Sir Robert (Non) for this opportunity.” San Miguel plays Meralco to open its campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup on March 7.