Shabazz shows off scoring savvy

It certainly looks like Shabazz Muhammad and San Miguel Beer (SMB) have forged a lasting partnership for the remainder of the Philippine Basketball Association’s Governors’ Cup. Muhammad, a 2013 National Basketball Association first-round draft pick, exploded for 57 points in the Beermen’s come-from-behind 115-110 win over Meralco, a feat that left a smile on head coach Leo Austia’s face.

That 57-point output was the biggest since former San Miguel Tyler Wilkinson banged in 58 and NLEX reinforcement Al Thornton scored 69 in the game wn by the Beermen, 131-127, in 2016. Muhammad’s sudden rise came at an opprtune time as te squad is revving up to claim a twice-to-beat edge going into the quarterfinal round.

I’m so thankful that we were able to unlock the potential of Shabazz.

SMB finished its preliminary campaign with a 7-4 card, now sitting in third place and will now have to wait for the end of the elimination round to determine its final placing.

“I’m so thankful that we were able to unlock the potential of Shabazz. I can see it from his eyes,” Austria said.

After a slow 3-2 start with former import Brandon Brown, San Miguel management decided to make some changes by tapping veteran reinforcement Orlando Johnson in December.

Johnson’s stint, however, did not turn out well as he was limited to only 12 points when the Beermen suffered a 96-81 loss to TNT Tropang Giga.

Now that Muhammad is sowing the stuff he’s made of, Austria is confident that they are bound for stronger performances in the quarterfinals.

“I hope this momentum may continue because our next game will already be in the second round, it’s playoff time,” Austria said.

“He previously told me that he’s here to win a championship and that’s something that he still needs to show.”