Austria sees level field; Romero bats for bubble approval

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria sees a  level field in the planned PBA Philippine Cup bubble resumption in Clark that has drawn a major backer in House Deputy Speaker and NorthPort owner Mikee Romero.

“What happened during this pandemic, for me, is it equalized things,” Austria told The STAR. “Each team has a chance considering we resumed preparations at the same time, we will enter the bubble together, and we’ll start scrimmages simultaneously. So nobody has the head start.”

Like the rest of the PBA community, Austria said the Beermen are looking forward to returning to action under strict health protocols.

Romero is all for it.

“The resumption of the PBA will help the Filipinos cope with depression. I am certain it will provide relief. We need to relax a bit after months of anguish,” said Romero, urging the IATF to allow the PBA play resumption.

“The PBA has exhausted everything to make the bubble concept safe for everyone,” added Romero.

The six-peat-seeking Beermen will carry a leading 1-0 card on the strength of their 94-78 rout of Magnolia in the lone completed game before play suspension last March.

“If we could sustain the way we performed in our first game, I think we’ll have a good chance. But definitely it will be a tough challenge,” said Austria.

San Miguel will be missing one major weapon in MVP June Mar Fajardo, who is still recovering from the shin injury he suffered last February.

“He won’t be able to play this season anymore,” said Austria of Fajardo, who won’t be joining the 25-man SMB delegation in the bubble. – Ding Cervantes