Revamped SMB eyes return to winning ways

MANILA, Philippines – One of the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) oldest and most successful franchise is reverting back to its iconic brand as they step into the hard court at the start of the Commissioner’s Cup this week.

At a courtesy call to San Miguel Brewery (SMB) Inc. office in Ortigas recently, SMB President Roberto N. Huang challenged the San Miguel Beermen to work and play hard in the upcoming conference. The official echoed San Miguel Corp. President Ramon S. Ang’s mandate for them to stay true to the San Miguel brand that is synonymous to brewing excellence.

Huang gave each of the players and coaching staff San Miguel Pale Pilsen Bilib Cans, citing his confidence that each of them will work hard for the team that would carry the “Samahang Walang Katulad” equity, win or lose.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen’s Bilib campaign is a unique project to celebrate everyday successes, admiration and to uplift the sense of pride of anyone giving or receiving the special beer in can with a writeable space.

Huang specifically cited the Beermen’s top center and the recent conference’s Best Player June Mar Fajardo. Huang wished Fajardo luck as he will soon start training with the National Team for the country’s comeback to the world basketball map via the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Barcelona, Spain later this year. 

“Give it your all — for the country,” Huang said.

Guard Marcio Lasssiter was likewise added to the Gilas lineup recently.

Carrying the Petron Blaze Boosters brand since the 2011 Governor’s Cup, the return of San Miguel Beermen was announced personally by Ang last month. The return of the Beermen to the PBA, according to Ang, coincides with the 25th anniversary of the team’s Grand Slam achievement, when the team swept the three conferences in 1989.

The San Miguel Beermen franchise has won 19 championships to date.

“Management expects for more championships with the new generation of hardworking and talented players and coaching staff,” added Ang.

Donning the San Miguel Beermen uniform are Junemar  Fajardo (15); Ronald Tubid (71); Sol Mercado; Doug Kramer (18); Chico Lanete (26); Marcio Lassiter (13); Chris Ross (6); Chris Lutz (28); Yousef Taha (28); Arwind Santos (29); Rico Maierhofer (1); Paolo Hubalde (12); Jojo Duncil (11); Joseph Marata (16); and import Josh Boone.

The team will be managed by Gee Abanilla, with head coach Melchor “Biboy” Ravanes and first assistant coach and consultant John Todd Purves calling the shots. Assistant coaches Boysie Zamar, Riel Banaria, Peter Martin and Dayong Mendoza provide support to the team.

The Beermen will be slugging it out with the Meralco Bolts in the start of their campaign on Friday.