Austria gives credit to players

After leading San Miguel Beer to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup title, there’s no doubt that Leo Austria has taken a significant step in the coaching totem pole.

It was his eighth all-Filipino title in 11 seasons and 11th overall crown, tying Chot Reyes and Norman Black in the number of championships won and just four behind the legendary Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan, who trails Tim Cone with a league-best 25.

But despite the flattering milestone, Austria still opted to deflect the credit.

“The heroes here are the players,” the 67-year-old Austria said after leading the Beermen to the title-clinching 92-77 victory over TNT in Game 6 of their best-of-seven finals series late Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“They made me look good again.”

Austria has been the brains that keeps the Beermen going.

He started coaching them in the defunct Asean Basketball League in 2012 before being elevated to the PBA in 2014. He, however, was promoted as team consultant in 2023 with Jorge Gallent serving as head coach.

Austria regained his coaching job in December of 2024 after the Beermen struggled in the early stretch of the Commissioner’s Cup of Season 49.

Now, he’s back in his winning ways to the point that people around him have already noticed his coaching brilliance and ability to handle the pressure of coaching the league’s most storied franchise.

“I consider Coach Leo as one of the top coaches in the PBA,” San Miguel team manager Robert Non said, a statement met by cheers from fans.

“I don’t know why he’s not in the list after winning 11 championships. I think he’s now tied with Coach Chot.”

Even June Mar Fajardo, the most dominant player of this era, tipped his hat to his mentor.

“Coach (Leo) is really good,” Fajardo said during the post-game press conference.

“He just doesn’t get enough credit. He’s so humble. But let me tell you that Coach is good. He’s a good coach. He’s the reason why San Miguel wins championships.”

Fajardo, now a five-time Finals Most Valuable Player, added that Austria is not a drillmaster, but more like a father who allows his players to do their thing inside the court.

“He lets his players play, which allows them to bring out their game,” he said.

“At the same time, he’s also composed. It all starts in practice. He’s good at disciplining us.”

Still, Austria insists that it was Fajardo and the rest of the Beermen who made him look good.