Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — After sweeping the Alaska Aces in four games in the recently concluded finals of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, head coach Leo Austria that the San Miguel Beermen have what it takes to capture a Grand Slam.
But Austria was quick to remind people that there are no guarantees.
“Yan ang gustong mangyari ng management, kung may chance kami na makuha ang grand slam, why not?” said Austria. “But there is no such thing as a promise.”
Since the PBA’s inception in 1975, only Baby Dalupan, Tommy Manotoc, Norman Black, and Tim Cone have won a Grand Slam.
Yet Austria believes that they have the right tools to achieve the difficult feat.
“It happens that yung team namin ay talagang nagkakaisa, that’s why na-develop yung chemistry of the team,” said Austria.
“Every team naman may chances (to win a Grand Slam), pero itong team namin malaki yung chances namin.”
The Beermen will be heading into the next season without a pick in the upcoming draft, robbing them of the chance to inject their side with young talent.
But the recently crowned champion is content with the makeup of his squad.
“I’m still comfortable with this team dahil marami pang potential player namin na hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon because of injuries.”
Austria acknowledges that he feels the weight of expectation, but he welcomes it with open arms.
“Kasi alam mo ang buhay, kapag walang pressure, walang kwenta,” said Austria.
“So you have to accept it dahil nandito yung challenge. So let’s see what can I do with this team.”
