(CNN Philippines) — San Miguel Beer finally broke into the win column Tuesday (May 12) after a woeful two-game slump, but tapping an Asian import remains an option for the team said head coach Leo Austria.
“That’s what we’re talking about because we suffered a lot of injuries,” said Austria in the aftermath of their 104-91 conquest of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I asked permission already from the management and they approved it.”
Read: Reid, Fajardo help Beermen break into win column
Austria added the move will become “inevitable” especially when injuries continue to hobble his team and if the locals continue to struggle.
“[An] Asian import is inevitable in case may mangyari sa amin (injury to players) at magiging kulang kami,” the champion coach said.
“We need a player who is very talented just like the Asian import of other teams like Talk ‘N Text and GlobalPort. Lumalalim yung bench nila and that’s very important going into the playoffs. Kailangan talaga.”
Does Austria already have someone in mind?
“I cannot say kung sino kasi there are other teams na naghahanap rin. May napupusuan na kami pero tatlo pala ang nanliligaw sa kanya,” he said.
Austria said an Asian reinforcement would not be necessary if the team gets in sync along the way.
“If this team is playing well then there’s no need because I want to give them (locals) the exposure. Because yung ginagawa ng Asian imports kaya rin naman ng locals natin. It’s just a matter of mindset,” he said.
But if they find an import tailor-fit for the team, he will not hesitate to acquire his services.
