GRAND DESIGN Beermen hope to fulfill wishes of SMC top brass
The San Miguel Beermen hope to finally fulfill big boss Ramon Ang’s wishes of finally winning a Grand Slam, a feat that the team came close to achieving last season.
Ang gave his marching orders during the Beermen’s victory party earlier this week at the San Miguel Corporation head office, even flashing three fingers to signify the achievement only done five times since the PBA opened shop in 1975.
Co-captain Arwind Santos believes they can make up for the failed Grand Slam bid last season with San Miguel entering the PBA Commissioner’s Cup reinforced by import Troy Gillenwater and top draft pick Christian Standhardinger set to make his debut.
“Kita naman na kaya namin basta sama-sama kami as a team,” said Santos during the celebration that came days after the Beermen 4-1 Philippine Cup title win over the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok.
“Buo naman ang team from last season, napagdaanan na namin ito so for sure may natutuhan kami. May parating kaming bagong player and bago din yung import namin,” he added.
Standhardinger, who will join the team after ASEAN Basketball League stint with Hong Kong Eastern is expected to give match up problems with his capability to play center and forward to compliment reigning four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.
Fajardo, Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter lead the Beermen’s quest for the trifecta together with reserves Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Brian Heruela and Gabby Espinas.
“Pinagdadasal po natin na sana manalo ho tayo ng Grand Slam… yun naman po ay pinagdadasal,” said Ang, SMC president and Chief Operating Officer.
Meanwhile, all members of the team, including the coaching staff and utility, are reportedly set to receive a salary bonus worth at least eight months as a reward for winning a fourth straight Philippine Cup.
That means a player who earns a maximum monthly salary of 1420,000, like Fajardo, will get more than 13.3 million.
SMB coach Leo Austria, who holds a perfect record of 6-for-6 in the finals, begged off to divulge the exact amount given by their SMC boss, but mentioned that the company has always been generous in giving bonuses.
“Alam naman natin na generous ang team pagdating sa ganyan,” Austria said.
Fajardo said that it’s now up to them to make Ang’s wish happen after they fell short the previous season.