San Miguel Beer players did not slack off during the long break after an early exit last conference, putting a premium on their physical conditioning for their redemption tour in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

Determined to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 years in a failed title defense in the Commissioner’s Cup, the Beermen have noticeably slimmed down and chiseled up.

It worked well for the Leo Austria-mentored squad as San Miguel opened their campaign on a high note with a 98-89 win over NLEX last Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Actually, before the start of the training, I talked to our trainer and PTs (physical therapists) to do something about the team because we’re after their playing weight. They are monitoring them until now because that’s the only way for us to get better,” Austria said.

The Beermen had a longer preparation time after a 10th place finish in the mid-season conference.

CJ Perez said they took the time to focus on preparing their bodies for a tough grind in their bid to reclaim the all-Filipino title they last held back in the 2022-2023 season before relinquishing the throne to Meralco last year in six games.

“We’ve been working out since our early exit. I think our conditioning coach Aldo (Panlilio) and coach (Gerald Tenorio) are doing their jobs really well. If you can see Mo (Tautuaa), he really worked out and focused on getting physically ready, he’s moving well. Actually, all of us are right now,” said Perez, who dropped 28 points in his conference debut.

Eight-time Most Valuable Player and PBA 50 Greatest Players member June Mar Fajardo shed about 20 pounds during the break.

“I need to shed some weight to keep pace with other players. We’re not getting any younger, right? We’ve been out for a long time, and it would be difficult if you gain weight and then get back into action,” Fajardo, who had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, said.

“I’m at around 270 now from my usual weight of 280 to 290. I try to slim down during all-Filipino and then go up to 290 when facing bigger imports (in import-laden conferences).”

Physical conditioning, however, is just part of what the Beermen addressed following a forgettable Commissioner’s Cup.

“They have a different mindset right now because we have to redeem ourselves from that frustrating last conference,” Austria said.

Perez reiterated Austria’s words, adding that San Miguel is hungrier than ever.

“It motivated us to work harder. We’ve been practicing for four weeks. We really prepared for this conference. We tried to get into top condition, we focused on defense and tried to address what needs to be done,” he said.

“We have no one to blame but ourselves, the team, for that last conference debacle. Now, we have a chance to bounce back.”