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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider SMB injury woes a growing concern for coach Leo Austria

SMB injury woes a growing concern for coach Leo Austria

Published Jun 18, 2022 01:28 pm

San Miguel coach Leo Austria said the pile of injuries has become a growing concern despite a strong 3-0 start in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Coach Leo Austria ( PBA Images)

The Beermen lost two key players in their 87-81 victory over the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots as Vic Manuel exited the game early in the second quarter after hurting his calf while Chris Ross injured his right knee during a layup attempt in transition at the 2:57 mark of the same frame.

With some of the team’s key players sustaining injuries in the past two seasons, Austria pondered on how SMB lost grip of the All-Filipino crown it previously held for six straight seasons.

“That's our main concern if you notice in the last two seasons, two bubbles and the all-Filipino, that's the main problem,” said Austria.

“In the first bubble, we don't have June Mar (Fajardo) and Terrence Romeo also injured his shoulder and then Mo (Tautuaa) during the all-Filipino against TNT. Game 7, three of our players got injured buti naka-recover last conference but still they are recuperating not 100 percent pa eh. But let's see what we can do kasi talagang it's our major concern,” added Austria.

It was a welcome sight that Ross managed to return to SMB bench in the second half although the veteran guard is set to have an MRI test on his knee to confirm the severity of his injury.

As for Manuel, Austria said the 6-foot-4 bruiser had some issues with his calf and hamstring – an injury he sustained during one of their scrimmages in practice. Manuel tried to play through the injury but felt something on his calf during the game, prompting Austria to sit Manuel out for the rest of the game for precautionary measures.

Aside from the two, the Beermen are already without Romeo who has been dealing with a nagging back injury and is not expected to return any time soon.

Good thing, the Beermen have the depth to alleviate the impact of the injuries as six players scored in double-digits for SMB led by the 19 points from Tautuaa. Fajardo, although struggling in the first two quarters, still finished with 14 points. Cj Perez had 15 while Marcio Lassiter, Rodney Brondial and Jericho Cruz chipped in 10 points apiece.

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San Miguel Beermen Chris Ross injury PBA Philippine Cup
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