MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria has picked Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text as the teams that will survive the tough two-stage quarterfinal phase of the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup.
If Austria hits it right, it’s going to be San Miguel versus TNT and Alaska Milk opposite Ginebra in a pair of slam-bang best-of-seven semifinal showdowns.
“Based on their recent games, Ginebra and TNT are playing on a higher level. The players understand now what their coaches want to do,” Austria told The STAR.
Austria, a two-time champion coach last season, is convinced Ginebra is the top choice in its bracket while Talk n Text would go through a wringer versus Rain or Shine in their own group.
The San Miguel mentor considers Globalport as dark horse in its group with Ginebra, Star and Barako Bull.
Austria is impressed with the Gin Kings in their recent games.
“They made a strong finish in the elims with a convincing win over TNT to cap their run,” said Austria, also mentioning the brilliance of two-time grand slam-winning coach Tim Cone.
“Coach Tim is so good he knows when to build momentum, he knows when to step up and he knows how to win the big games,” Austria pointed out.
Settling down after a struggling start, Cone and his chargers swept their last three games versus Blackwater, NLEX and TNT to snatch fourth place in the elims behind Alaska, San Miguel and ROS.
Austria picked TNT over ROS for the former’s hunger.
“They’re both experienced teams but I can feel TNT is hungrier to win. And that could be the key,” said Austria.
The Texters would be very dangerous in the playoffs if top rookies Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario can be consistent in asserting themselves on the floor, also according to the SMB bench chieftain.
Austria doesn’t play down their own chance despite a long break because of their outright Final Four passage.
“We’ve been in the same situation last year (gaining outright Final Four spot). We didn’t struggle. It’s a matter of how you handle your program,” he said.
“We’ll continue with our daily workout, taking a break only on Dec. 24 and 25, and Jan. 1. We’ll be doing simulation of what we’re going to do in the semifinals,” he added.
He expects Alaska Milk to do the same.
“Alaska is a team that is always well prepared. They’re also very dangerous with their vast improvement. They play like a college basketball team with a non-stop pressing game,” said Austria.
“They do that with equal shares of playing time to their players. They’re a tough team,” Austria also said.